Hartford, Illinois-Trail Site #1

Site #1-Tourism

The Lewis and Clark Historic Site is located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Designated as Site #1 of the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail. The site where Captain Clark set up his training camp to prepare for the most courageous journey in U.S. history. A sensational place!

For 5 months during the winter of 1803 and 1804 the courageous, gallant men of the expedition worked to improve the boats, receive military discipline and become accustomed to pioneer life. The expedition got under way May 14, 1804, roughly 45 men left Camp Dubois and entered the Missouri River.

This expedition of the Louisiana Purchase enabled the U.S. Government to extend its national interests all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Quite an extraordinary journey.

The Lewis and Clark Historic Society of America has worked diligently to preserve and highlight this historic site in time to celebrate the Bicentennial in 2003-2006.

Congressman Jerry Costello championed with Congress and the National Park Service to help build a world class interpretive center at this site. The 221 acre park offers a monument with a majestic view of the confluence, an 8 million dollar Interpretive Center, walking/hiking trails and a replica of Camp DuBois.

The Illinois Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission was appointed to coordinate the Bicentennial Commemoration for Illinois. The Village of Hartford residents and businesses have come together and formed the Citizens for Lewis and Clark Development at Site #1 to prepare the community for the Bicentennial. We feel a strong partnership forming to provide the world class commemoration deserved at such a historic site. The Village in conjunction with the Lewis and Clark Society is rallying local support to show the State and Federal legislators that we support and promote this historic site. To find out how you can participate contact Deanna Barnes at 618-251-2681 x 15 or e-mail: hartford@hartfordillinois.net or write to:

Citizens for Lewis & Clark Development Site #1

140 Hawthorne

Hartford, IL 62048

A very exciting site with a lot of historic significance, soon to be a tourist destination as the jumping off spot.