his was the area that Clark called the “Great Mart,” where numerous bands of Indians came from near and far to trade. The people who controlled the rich fisheries of Celilo Falls and along the cascades were powerful and wealthy. They weren’t as surprised by the arrival of Lewis and Clark as the people upriver from them. They had traded with whites before.

Chinookans from the coast came to the local Wasco and Wishram villages bearing items obtained from European ships and fur traders. Lewis and Clark saw signs of this trade in the clothing and goods displayed here. However, arriving in mid-October, the Expedition just missed the season when economic activity was at its height, during the salmon runs that occurred between spring and fall (Ronda: 1984). [See The Great Mart to learn more.]

The people who lived around the Dalles shared both positive and negative experiences with Lewis and Clark when the Corps came to them in need of such precious items as canoes and horses. It was in this area that the Expedition often clashed with the Indians over property issues, particularly theft. What factors and insensitivities led to each of these interactions?

Historian James P. Ronda explains that some incidents of theft were likely not meant to be malicious, but rather considered acts of rightful exchange. Much of the Expedition’s success must be credited to the various forms of assistance provided by the Indians. Perhaps the taking of goods was considered their due payment. Furthermore, tribal members were often disregarded as the Expedition rushed towards the Pacific. By taking something from the party, the Indians demanded recognition and respect, though in a method not understood by this group of foreigners (Ronda:1984).

Read these journal entries and discover some of the controversies that developed out of a lack of cultural awareness. What lessons can we take away from these stories?

Tomahawk Dispute | Helpful Hands | Shrewd Dealers
Problems with the Enesher and Skillutes | Invaluable Horses
An Uninvited Guest | Honesty Between Indians | Fear of Robbery
Canceling Trade | Broken Contracts | Trouble with the Wah-clel-lars