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Corps of Discovery II Debut
The Nation's Bicentennial Commemoration of the Lewis and Clark Expedition began in Charlottesville, Virginia, on January 14, 2003 with the debut of Corps of Discovery II: 200 Years to the Future. This touring Federal interagency exhibition launched a four-year odyssey from Virginia to the Oregon coast for the 2003-2006 Bicentennial.
Learn more about the Tour dates.
On January 18, Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and other leaders participated in the official commencement of the Bicentennial on the West Lawn at Monticello, home of President Thomas Jefferson, who directed the explorers to make their historic journey beginning in 1803.
At the January 14 debut of Corps of Discovery, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife and Parks Craig Manson was keynote speaker. NPS Director Fran Mainella and Gerard Baker, former Corps II Director and Superintendent of Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, also officiated.
Before the 3 p.m. program, which was open to the public, the Fort Berthhold Singers from the Fort Berthhold Indian Reservation, in North Dakota, welcomed everyone to the "Tent of Many Voices." Representing the Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara), they also sang the Honor Song and Flag song while the U.S. Army 1802 Color Guard from Fort McNair, Washington posted the colors. Members of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, Missouri, dressed in period clothing, accompanied the Color Guard.
A blessing ceremony for Corps of Discovery II was performed by spiritual leaders from four geographic regions of the United States. They represented the diversity of American Indians who encountered the original Corps of Discovery and provided much needed assistance to the success of their mission.
The formal program concluded with a musical performance, "Lewis and Clark, West for America" by West Glacier, Montana singer and songwriter David Walburn. Walburn, a national touring artist, performed selections from his musical tribute to the 1803-1806 Corps of Discovery.
"Corps of Discovery II: 200 Years to the Future" will supplement local and national observances throughout the Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition," said superintendent Baker. "It is an occasion to learn more about our Nation's history, including the history of the American Indian, and it's an occasion to think about our Nation's future and where we want to be 200 years from now," Baker noted.
Corps of Discovery II is a joint effort of Federal and State agencies, private and nonprofit organizations, and American Indian tribes. Under the auspices of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the National Park Service is providing funding, exhibit design and production, transportation, and support staff.
The free public exhibition provided opportunities to learn more about the legendary exploration and its significance in American history. The exhibit included presentations for students and teachers, as well as educational Internet opportunities.
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