Historical Society Follows The Trail Of Lewis And Clark

Although much of Newtown’s attention in this year of 2005 is devoted to the Tercentennial celebration, it is important to remember national events that left their mark on local history as well, according to the Newtown Historical Society. On Monday, February 14, at 7.30 pm, in the meeting room of the Booth Library, 25 Main Street (Route 25), the society will present a program by Gordon Williams on one of the most momentous and seminal events in the nation’s history, the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the new Louisiana Purchase.

Immediately controversial, President Thomas Jefferson’s purchase of the huge block of territory late in 1803 opened up virtually unlimited potential for the still-young nation. President Jefferson wanted to explore the large new region as quickly as possible, and sent his personal secretary, Meriwether Lewis, to organize an expedition. Mr Lewis looked to William Clark, brother of the Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark, for assistance. Together with 26 soldiers, two interpreters, Mr Clark’s servant, and the Indian liaison Sacajawea, Mr Lewis and Mr Clark led the way west from St Louis.

The epic of struggle and hardship took two years to complete the journey up the Missouri River and across the wilderness to the West Coast. The great increase in geographic knowledge was surpassed by the scientific discoveries of flora, fauna, and other natural resources. The triumphant band returned to St Louis in September 1806, to ensure their place not only in national history, but in the history of exploration and courage as well.

Gordon Williams will lead the tour along the trail of thousands of miles, introduce the Indians along the way, and provide a vicarious taste of the hardships faced, discuss the importance of the group’s findings, and impart a sense of the implications for the restless westward movement that completion of the journey entailed.

Mr Williams retired after 39 years as a teacher, most of his career being in the social studies department at Trumbull High School. He is an active member of the Newtown Lions Club and the Board of Trustees of the Booth Library, having served as president of each. He is the president of the Newtown Historical Society. He is also active in church work, and further serves the community as literacy volunteer. He has had a long interest in the early American West and particularly in the great Lewis and Clark Expedition.

All Newtown Historical Society programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the program’s conclusion.