The story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition is inextricably linked to the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the vast lands they traversed. Among these were the Plateau Indians, a diverse group of tribes residing in the intermountain region known as the Columbia Plateau. This article delves into the world of these people, their way of life, their languages, and their interactions with the Corps of Discovery. The Plateau Indians Encountered During the Lewis and Clark Expedition played a pivotal role in the expedition’s success.
A Land Between Mountains
The Columbia Plateau is a geographically defined area stretching across what is now the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada. Imagine a broad expanse nestled between the formidable Cascade Mountains to the west and the rugged Rocky Mountains to the east. This extensive region extends from the Fraser River in British Columbia southward through parts of northern Oregon and Idaho, with a small portion reaching into northern California.
The dominant feature of this landscape is the mighty Columbia River, a 1,200-mile-long waterway that, along with its countless tributaries, acts as the lifeblood of the region. These rivers and streams are fed by the melting snow and rainfall from the surrounding mountains, creating a network of waterways vital to the ecosystem and the people who call it home.
The Plateau’s environment presents a striking contrast. Towering coniferous forests blanket the mountains and line the river valleys, providing shelter and resources. In between, vast flat plains and rolling hills are covered in a sea of grasses and sagebrush, creating a unique and captivating landscape.
Life According to the Seasons
The Plateau Indians were deeply connected to the rhythms of nature, adapting their lives to the changing seasons and the availability of resources. Their lifestyle was characterized by mobility and resourcefulness, following the food supply as it shifted throughout the year. The Plateau Indians Encountered During the Lewis and Clark Expedition exemplified this adaptability.
Lacking abundant large game animals, the Plateau tribes relied heavily on the rivers for sustenance. Fishing was a primary activity, with salmon being a crucial source of food. They supplemented their diet by hunting smaller animals and gathering roots, berries, and a variety of wild vegetables that the land provided.
During the warmer months, they constructed temporary dwellings alongside the rivers and on the plains. These lodges were typically covered with bulrush mats, offering protection from the elements while remaining lightweight and portable. As the cold weather approached, they sought shelter in more permanent structures near the rivers. These were earth-covered, sunken pithouses, offering insulation and protection from the harsh winter conditions.
The eastern Plateau tribes, particularly the Nez Perce and Flathead (Salish) Indians, possessed large herds of horses. This equestrian advantage allowed them to venture across the Continental Divide and hunt buffalo on the Great Plains, expanding their food sources and trade opportunities.
In contrast, the western Plateau tribes were skilled watermen, relying on canoes as their primary mode of transportation. They used these canoes to navigate the rivers, facilitating trade with other tribes, including those downriver closer to the coast. The rivers, especially the Columbia, served not only as a source of food but also as a vital artery for trade and social interaction among the diverse tribes.
A significant hub of activity was located around Celilo Falls and The Dalles, where a massive trading network flourished. During the salmon runs, these locations teemed with Indians from numerous nations, engaging in trade, socializing, and celebrating the abundance of the river. The Plateau Indians Encountered During the Lewis and Clark Expedition utilized these trading networks extensively.
A Tapestry of Languages
The Plateau Indians were not a single homogenous group, but rather a collection of diverse tribes, each with its own distinct culture and language. The two main language families represented in the region were Sahaptian and Salishan, along with a variety of other dialects that added to the linguistic richness of the Plateau.
The Corps of Discovery encountered numerous Sahaptian-speaking tribes, including the Klickitat, Nez Perce, Palouse, Tenino (Warm Springs), Umatilla, Walla Walla, Wanapam, and Yakama (Yakima). These tribes were spread throughout the Plateau and played a significant role in the expedition’s journey.
Among the Salishan speakers, the Flathead tribe had the most notable interactions with the Corps of Discovery. Other Salishan tribes included the Coeur d’Alene (Skitswish), Columbia, Colville, Kalispel, Lake, Shuswap, Spokan, and Wenatchee, among others.
Adding to the linguistic diversity, the Cayuse, Klamath, Modoc, Kootenai, and Stuwihamuk spoke distinct dialects, while the Chinookian-speaking Wishram were also associated with the Plateau Indians. This complex linguistic landscape reflects the long and rich history of the region and the interactions between its various inhabitants.
Encounters with the Corps of Discovery
The Lewis and Clark Expedition’s encounters with the Plateau Indians were generally characterized by friendliness and cooperation. Many of these tribes had never before encountered white men, yet they greeted the explorers with warmth and curiosity. The Plateau Indians Encountered During the Lewis and Clark Expedition demonstrated exceptional hospitality.
The tribes willingly traded with the expedition, sharing food, providing valuable information about the land, and offering their services as guides. Their assistance was crucial to the success of the expedition, helping the Corps of Discovery navigate the unfamiliar terrain and navigate the complex social landscape of the Plateau.
Meriwether Lewis famously characterized the Walla Walla as "the most hospitable, honest, and sincere people that we have met." This sentiment could easily be applied to many of the other Plateau Indians who played a vital role in the expedition’s success. Their generosity, knowledge, and willingness to help the explorers made a lasting impression and contributed significantly to the expedition’s overall positive outcome. The positive interactions with the Plateau Indians Encountered During the Lewis and Clark Expedition helped to build a foundation of trust.
In conclusion, the Plateau Indians were a diverse and resilient group of people who thrived in the unique environment of the Columbia Plateau. Their seasonal lifestyle, reliance on the rivers, and complex social and linguistic structures shaped their identity and defined their interactions with the outside world. The Lewis and Clark Expedition’s encounters with these tribes provide a valuable glimpse into their way of life and highlight the importance of their contributions to the expedition’s success.