Presents and trade goods were crucial to maintaining good relations with native peoples and, attesting to their importance, comprised the most expensive category of goods purchased in preparation for the expedition. For hunting food, protection, and trade arms, powder, and lead were important to the success of the mission. The state of the art medicine at the turn of the 18th century is presented. The ingredients and tools used, and the illnesses they battled with varying degrees of success are shown. It is truly amazing the company survived the journey. A keelboat, piroques, dugout canoes, horses, and foot transportation were each required at different places along the way. Navigation and accurate mapping were important to the success of the expedition. Sextants, octants, compasses and clocks were used to document the trail to the Pacific Ocean and back.

Explore the pictures to learn about the different displays at the Center in the Cargo Exhibition.