The expedition remains another day at the mouth of the Kansas River where Lewis determines its latitude. Lewis describes the river and Clark describes the Kansa People.
History of the Kansa Nation
by Yellowstone Public Radio[1]Originally aired weekdays by Yellowstone Public Radio during the Bicentennial observance of 2003-2006. Narrated by Hal Hansen. Scripts by Whit Hansen and Ed Jacobson. Produced by Leni Holliman. © … Continue reading
Kaw Point (Missouri and Kansas Rivers)
From an interpretive sign at Kaw Point. Photo by Kristopher K. Townsend.
The Kansas River
the Kanzas river disembogues itself on the South side; being 364 miles from the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi. This river takes it’s rise not very distant from the principal branch of the Arkanas in a high broken sandy country . . . . it has been navigated 200 leagues and there is good reason to believe from the appearance of the river and country at that point that it is navigable for perogues much further perhaps nearly to it’s source.
—Meriwether Lewis[2]A Summary view of the Rivers and Creeks, Fort Mandan Miscellany, Moulton, III:343–44.
The Kansa Nation
This River recves its name from a nation which dwells at this time on its banks those Indians [The Kansas] are not verry noumerous at this time, reduced by war with their neighbours . . . . [They] were verry noumerous at the time the french first Settled the Illinois, I am told they are a fierce & warlike people, being badly Supplied with fire arms, become easily conquered by the Aiauway [Iowa] & Saukees [Sauks and Foxes] who are better furnished with those materials of war, This nation is now out in the plains hunting the Buffalow
—William Clark
Kansas River Latitude
Observed Equal Altitudes of
, with Sextant . . . . Latitude deduced from this obst. 39° 5′ 25.7″
—Meriwether Lewis
Notes
| ↑1 | Originally aired weekdays by Yellowstone Public Radio during the Bicentennial observance of 2003-2006. Narrated by Hal Hansen. Scripts by Whit Hansen and Ed Jacobson. Produced by Leni Holliman. © 2003 by Yellowstone Public Radio. |
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| ↑2 | A Summary view of the Rivers and Creeks, Fort Mandan Miscellany, Moulton, III:343–44. |
