Prairie State Wire

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford will host the annual Point of Departure Commemoration on May 11 and 12, marking the 220th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The event is free to attend and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with military demonstrators, historic artisans, and hands-on displays. Artisans will showcase skills such as candle making, leatherworking, tanning, gunsmithing, spinning, pottery, and woodworking. These demonstrations aim to provide insight into life in the Illinois Country during the early 19th century. A display of medical instruments will explore frontier medicine practices of that era.

Military reenactors will portray soldiers from the Corps of Discovery, interpreting a replica of the "White Pirogue" boat used by the expedition to navigate the Missouri River. Additionally, members of the War of 1812 American 2nd Regiment Artillery will demonstrate black powder muskets and artillery while discussing their role in the war. Ed Dulaney will present on British military experiences in the region.

Historian Jeffrey Edison from St. Louis County Parks will highlight York's contributions as an enslaved servant to Captain William Clark during the expedition. Other staff and volunteers at the site will discuss a camp follower known as Washer Woman at Camp River Dubois who supported soldiers at the camp.

A special guest at this year's commemoration is a reenactor portraying Thomas Jefferson, who was instrumental in completing the Louisiana Purchase and initiating this trans-continental mission. Reenactor Kurt Smith from Colonial Williamsburg brings Jefferson's persona to life using extensive research on his journals and letters. Smith will conduct programs at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., engaging with visitors throughout both days.

Jefferson's visit is sponsored by the Lewis and Clark Society of America. Other sponsors for Point of Departure Weekend include Phillips 66, Village of Hartford, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site is located at 1 Lewis and Clark Trail in Hartford within Madison County. It features an Interpretive Center and reconstructed Camp River Dubois which played a significant role during winter preparations for the Corps of Discovery between December 1803 to May 1804. Managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources with support from Lewis & Clark Society America; it remains open daily throughout summer months from nine until five o'clock pm.