Calumet Bluff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calumet Bluff |
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Calumet Bluff, viewed
from Gavins Point Dam |
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 Location of Calumet Bluff in Nebraska
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| Country | United States |
| Location | Cedar County, Nebraska, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 42°51′43″N 97°29′06″W / 42.86194°N 97.48500°W |
| Website U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Gavins Point Dam / Lewis and Clark Lake |
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Calumet Bluff is a tall hill in Cedar County, Nebraska, U.S.. It stands about 180 feet high. This bluff overlooks Lewis and Clark Lake and the Missouri River. It is famous because the Lewis and Clark Expedition held their first meeting with the Sioux Indians here in 1804. Today, Calumet Bluff forms the right side of the Gavins Point Dam. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a visitor center and offices on the bluff.
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History of Calumet Bluff
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, camped near Calumet Bluff. They stayed there from August 28 to September 1, 1804. In his journal, Captain Clark wrote that the bluff was called "White Bear Cliff." This was because a white bear had been killed in a hole there.
What "Calumet" Means
The bluff is often called "White Bear Cliff" in old records. But now, it's usually known as Calumet Bluff. A "Calumet" often refers to a peace pipe. However, at that time, it was also a name for a Golden Eagle. Eagles often nest on bluffs, and their feathers were likely used on peace pipes. The bluff still looks like Lewis and Clark described it. They said it was made of "yellowish red, and brownish clay as hard as chalk."
Meeting the Yankton-Sioux Tribe
It was at Calumet Bluff that the Corps of Discovery first met the Yankton-Sioux Tribe. This important meeting happened on August 30, 1804, and lasted for two days. A story says that a baby boy was born into the Yankton tribe while Lewis and Clark were meeting with them. When Captain Lewis heard this, he had the baby brought to him. He wrapped the child in an American flag. Lewis predicted that the boy would grow up to be a great leader of his tribe. He also said the boy would be a friend to white people. This child grew up to be the famous Yankton Chief Padaniapapi, also known as "Struck By The Ree."
Calumet Bluff Today
Today, Calumet Bluff is a protected area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages it. It is part of the Lewis and Clark Lake - Gavins Point Dam Project. The bluff is also located along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The USACE keeps two scenic overlooks on the bluff. They also maintain the Calumet Bluff Trail. This hiking trail is about 0.9 miles long and offers great views of the lake.
Gallery
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From the east, the Bluff appears behind the Gavins Point Dam, for which it forms the right or south abutment.
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Calumet Bluff can be seen beside the Gavins Point Dam and Power Plant. The Missouri River spills through the dam below the bluff.
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View of Lewis and Clark Lake from Calumet Bluff overlook and hiking trail.
