The Pacific Northwest, a region steeped in natural beauty and historical significance, holds a unique place in American lore. Among its many historical sites, Fort Clatsop stands as a poignant reminder of the epic journey undertaken by the Corps of Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. In the winter of 1805-1806, this intrepid group of explorers sought shelter and respite at Fort Clatsop, a humble structure built near the mouth of the Columbia River. However, despite its historical importance, the precise location of the original fort remains shrouded in mystery, a puzzle that continues to intrigue archaeologists and historians alike.
In late 2005, a comprehensive archaeological excavation was undertaken at the site of a long-standing Fort Clatsop replica, near Astoria, Oregon. This excavation, spurred by the unfortunate destruction of the replica by fire just before the bicentennial events, aimed to finally uncover definitive evidence of the Corps of Discovery’s presence. Led by Doug Wilson, an experienced archaeologist from the National Park Service, the three-week dig represented the most thorough investigation of the site to date. The hopes were high that this excavation would finally yield tangible artifacts directly linked to Lewis and Clark and their men, definitively pinpointing the fort’s original location.
The Search for Echoes of the Past
The anticipation surrounding the excavation was palpable. For decades, researchers had been attempting to locate the exact site of the original Fort Clatsop. Historical records and journals from the expedition provided valuable clues, yet the physical evidence remained elusive. The replica, a beloved landmark for over half a century, had provided a tangible connection to the past, but its destruction offered a unique opportunity to delve beneath the surface and potentially unearth the real story of the winter encampment.
The excavation team meticulously scrutinized the soil, carefully sifting through layers of earth in search of any telltale signs of the Corps of Discovery. They hoped to find discarded tools, remnants of clothing, or even structural elements of the fort itself. The team employed a variety of archaeological techniques, including grid-based excavation, soil analysis, and artifact identification. Each shovelful of earth was examined with painstaking care, and every potential find was documented and analyzed.
Unexpected Discoveries: A Tapestry of History
While the primary objective of the excavation was to find evidence of Lewis and Clark’s stay, the team also recognized the potential to uncover artifacts from other periods in the site’s history. The land surrounding Fort Clatsop had been inhabited by Native American tribes for centuries before the arrival of the Corps of Discovery, and it had also been settled by pioneers in the decades that followed.
As the excavation progressed, the team began to unearth a fascinating array of artifacts, painting a vivid picture of the site’s long and varied history. They discovered stone chips, remnants of tools crafted by the Clatsop people, providing valuable insights into their pre-colonial life. These artifacts offered a glimpse into the daily lives of the indigenous inhabitants who had called this land home long before the arrival of Europeans.
The excavation also yielded artifacts from the 19th century, a testament to the pioneer settlers who had followed in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. Fragments of ironstone china, traced to the W.H. Smith house built in the 1870s, offered a glimpse into the domestic life of these early settlers. A bottle fragment from a house built by Carlos Shane in the 1850s further enriched the historical narrative. These discoveries, along with parts of a doll, marbles, square nails, and broken glass, painted a picture of a thriving community that had sprung up in the wake of the Corps of Discovery’s expedition.
The Elusive Evidence: A Lingering Mystery
Despite the wealth of artifacts uncovered, the excavation ultimately failed to produce definitive evidence directly linked to Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. No unmistakable remnants of their tools, clothing, or personal belongings were found. The absence of such evidence left the question of the fort’s precise location unanswered.
While the lack of conclusive evidence was disappointing, it did not negate the value of the excavation. The artifacts that were discovered provided a wealth of information about the site’s long history, shedding light on the lives of the Clatsop people and the early pioneer settlers. The excavation also helped to refine the understanding of the site’s geology and soil composition, providing valuable data for future archaeological investigations.
As Doug Wilson noted, "The research helps to tell the long land-use history of this important site and will help guide future investigations." The excavation, despite its failure to pinpoint the fort’s exact location, provided a valuable foundation for future research efforts.
Previous excavations in the area had also yielded tantalizing clues, but none had provided definitive proof of the fort’s location. In the late 1990s, archaeologists had discovered a blue glass bead, a brass bead, and a flattened musket ball. However, the origin of these items remained uncertain, and they could not be conclusively linked to the Corps of Discovery.
The Legacy of Fort Clatsop
The Corps of Discovery arrived at the Fort Clatsop site on December 7, 1805, and immediately began construction of their winter quarters. By Christmas, they had erected a 50-by-50-foot fort, providing much-needed shelter from the harsh winter weather. The Corps remained at Fort Clatsop until March 23, 1806, when they embarked on their return journey to St. Louis.
In the decades that followed, the original fort gradually succumbed to the elements and the encroachment of human activity. The wet climate, combined with farming, logging, mining, and other human activities, took its toll on the structure. By the 1850s, only a few logs remained, and the last remnants of the fort eventually disappeared.
Despite the disappearance of the physical structure, the memory of Fort Clatsop endured. In 1899 and 1900, the Oregon Historical Society conducted research that placed the fort on the Lewis and Clark River, approximately two miles south of its mouth at Youngs Bay. In 1955, community groups built a replica of the fort at this site, which became a national park in 1958. Today, Fort Clatsop is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, a testament to its enduring significance.
A New Chapter for Fort Clatsop
The accidental fire that destroyed the log replica in 2005, while a tragic event, also presented a unique opportunity. As Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins observed, "It was unfortunate, but it gave us the opportunity to finally look." The excavation that followed was a direct result of the fire, and it represented a renewed commitment to unraveling the mystery of Fort Clatsop’s precise location.
A new, more rugged-looking fort replica was constructed and opened to the public by June of the following year. A groundbreaking and flag-raising ceremony was held on December 10, the 200th anniversary of when Lewis and Clark began building Fort Clatsop.
The National Park Service remains committed to further archaeological research at the site. Future projects will be planned after a comprehensive report is compiled of the current research findings, and to determine other areas that might be promising for an excavation. The mystery of Fort Clatsop continues to beckon, and archaeologists are determined to continue the search for definitive evidence of the Corps of Discovery’s winter encampment.
The Allure of the Unknown
Despite the challenges and setbacks, the search for the original Fort Clatsop remains a compelling endeavor. As Chip Jenkins aptly put it, "We were able to finally determine whether there was anything beneath the replica. What we found was tantalizing, but the mystery remains – and we all like a good mystery." The elusive nature of the fort only adds to its allure, drawing researchers and history enthusiasts alike to the Pacific Northwest in search of answers.
Fort Clatsop stands as a symbol of exploration, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The mystery surrounding its precise location serves as a reminder of the complexities of historical research and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. As the search continues, the hope remains that one day, definitive evidence will be found, finally pinpointing the exact spot where Lewis and Clark and their men spent a long, dreary winter, forever etching their names in the annals of American history. The story of Fort Clatsop is more than just a historical account; it’s a captivating enigma that continues to inspire and intrigue.