Notes About the Show:
The show begins with the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon. This was the greatest land deal in history (six cents an acre) and doubled the size of the United States. The musical then tells the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
The expedition had three goals. First, Lewis and Clark were to seek an all-water route to the Pacific so trade could more easily be carried on with the spice-rich countries of the far east.
Second, they were to learn as much as they could about the Indians along the route, including their languages, customs, religions, family units, ceremonies, diets, and manner of dress. And if there was any sign of trouble, they were to stand down and/or retreat.
Third, they were to see what could be done about expelling the British from (present day) North Dakota and Montana so that the Americans could be the sole purveyors of the fur trade.
The Lewis and Clark expedition achieved most of its goals but there were two important people who are overlooked who were critical to its success.
Sacagawea was critical in maintaining the peace between the settlers and the Indians. Having a Native American woman, especially one with child, was a sign of peace. When the tribes saw her with Lewis and Clark it was a sign that the men of the expedition wanted to establish good relations with the Native Americans.
There is contradictory information regarding Sacagawea’s tribe. In the play it says that she was from the Shoshone tribe. However, there is information that we have learned that say that she has been claimed by three different tribes. She is now listed as part of the Hidatsa.
Another critical member of the expedition is York. He was Clark’s slave who became a celebrity on the trip because of his skin color. The Native Americans were fascinated by him because they had never seen anyone like him. He also helped keep the peace on the trip.
York’s story is difficult to tell because as a slave he was not treated well prior to the expedition. However, it is important to learn about him because it connects to the injustices suffered by so many African Americans like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and so many others. We are honoring York by telling his story and if we did not we are not teaching about how important he was in history.
