8/27/24 - Teachers and Parents - Purchase a subscription to the ad-free, full-content, unlimited students version of MrNussbaum.com! Click "Sign up" in the upper right corner. Join thousands of teachers, parents, and students who enjoy the site with no distractions and tons more content and options! Only $29 per year.

Advertisement

Remove ad

This page contains a description of the first conflicts in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

American Bison

Teton Sioux Territory

New Animals and Plants

As the Corps entered the Great Plains, new animals previously unknown such as the coyote and antelope were recorded for the first time. In addition, it was in South Dakota where Lewis and Clark first recorded large herds of buffalo that came to symbolize the Great Plains.

Tension with the Teton Sioux

As the Corps sailed north, they met up with the Teton Sioux Indians near present-day Pierre, South Dakota. The Teton Sioux had previously been documented as powerful and aggressive by French fur-traders and often required payments or tributes to traders or other native groups for safe passage up the river. When the Corps first encountered the Teton Sioux, they attempted to demonstrate power and might by firing one of their air guns and parading in uniform. The Teton Sioux, however, were neither frightened nor impressed, and demanded one of Corps' boats as a toll for moving farther upriver. A fight nearly ensued, but was defused by the diplomacy of a chief named Black Buffalo after the Corps of Discovery offered tobacco as a tribute. For three more anxious days, the expedition stayed with the tribe, where there were celebrations, misunderstandings, and an overall lack of communication, as neither side properly understood the other. During this time, William Clark took detailed notes about the Teton Sioux, remarking that they were generally thin and ill-looking in appearance. He also took notes describing a "scalp dance" performed by the tribe after a war victory over the rival Omahas.

Lewis and Clark meet the Teton Sioux

 

Did You Know?

The Corps of Discovery recorded over 300 different kinds of plants and animals for the first time, like this Western Meadowlark.

 

Part 4: The Mandans

Lewis and Clark Adventure:

Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Into the Wild
Part 3: Teton Sioux Territory
Part 4: The Mandans
Part 5: Grizzly Country
Part 6: Great Falls of the Missouri River
Part 7: Shoshone Country
Part 8: The Bitterroots
Part 9: The Columbia River
Part 10: Fort Clatsop
Part 11: Return Trip

Advertisement

Remove ad

Related activities

Advertisement

Remove ad