Fort Atkinson State Historic Park, NE

The first U.S. military post west of the Missouri River, Fort Atkinson was established by the Yellowstone Expedition of 1819. But its story actually begins 15 years earlier with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Nearly two and a half months into their journey they still had not met with any Indians. On August 2, 1804, an interpreter arrived back at camp with six Otoe and Missouria chiefs and their warriors. Hands were shaken and the Indians were given tobacco and provissions. The next day, in full dress uniform, Lewis told the Indians that the land now belonged to the United States which would care for them and that the expedition was a peaceful one. That powwow gave the locale its name of "Council Bluff". (See statues for depiction of the council.) Clark noted in his journal that "Handsome Prairie" appeared to be a proper place for a trading post and fort.

Row 1--#1-4-bricks that have been carved showing the council and peace medal. Row 2--#1-2-replica of the air gun (only one seen), #3-beaver pelt and trapping equipment. Remainder is information about the council.