Camp Chopunnish facts for kids
Camp Chopunnish was an important stopping point for the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. It was their first major camp on the way back home from the Pacific Ocean. You can find this historic spot in Idaho County, Idaho, right next to the Clearwater River. Today, it's part of the Nez Perce National Historical Park. The camp was named by Captain Lewis after the Nez Perce tribe, who were the native people living there. The expedition's journals also called it "Long Camp" because they stayed there for a long time, and "Camp Kamiah" because of its location.
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History of Camp Chopunnish
A Long Winter and the Journey Back
The Lewis and Clark Expedition had spent a tough winter near the Pacific coast at Fort Clatsop in Astoria, Oregon. They finally started their journey back home in March 1806. By May 3, they had traveled all the way back to the lands of the Nez Perce tribe.
Waiting for the Snow to Melt
The explorers wanted to cross the Bitterroot Mountains using the Lolo Trail. However, when they arrived, there was still too much snow in the mountains. It was too early in the spring to make the dangerous crossing.
So, from mid-May to mid-June, the expedition decided to stop and wait. This is why they set up Camp Chopunnish. During their stay, they gathered plenty of food and supplies for the difficult mountain journey ahead.
Moving On from Camp Chopunnish
On June 10, the group left Camp Chopunnish. They moved to another camp on Weippe Prairie. This new location was closer to the Lolo Trail, getting them ready for the mountain crossing. After one try that didn't work out, they successfully crossed the Lolo Trail in the last week of June.
What Happened to the Camp Site?
Many years later, in 1902, a historian named Olin D. Wheeler visited the site of Camp Chopunnish. He could still see the circular shape in the ground where Lewis and Clark had set up their camp.
However, over time, the area changed a lot. Today, a large sawmill and other buildings cover the historic spot. You can still view the area from a special turnout on U.S. 12, which is on the opposite side of the river.
