ewis and Clark built their winter quarters in the homeland of the Clatsops. This group, and their cousins across the mouth of the Columbia, the Chinooks, were adept at surviving in the wet coastal climate which had been their home for thousands of years.

By the time Lewis and Clark arrived, these coastal groups had been trading with Europeans for many years and had a well-established system of valuation for European goods. They had also experienced the devastating diseases brought by these ships.

Lewis and Clark entered this world with no understanding of the powerful position of the Chinook, in particular, among tribes all along the Northwest Coast. It should not be surprising that relationships between the locals and the Expedition members were sometimes friendly but often difficult, and sometimes tumultuous, during the long, wet winter of 1805-06.

The next few journal excerpts demonstrate a great fear and distrust that Lewis and Clark appeared to have of the Chinooks and Clatsops. Perhaps these feelings were warranted, perhaps they were an overreaction.

What do these stories tell us about the attitude with which whites approached Indians at this time and in the years that followed? Is it fair to consider stealing a “trait in their character?” How might you be judged if the actions of a small number of your tribe, race or religion were regarded as an inherent “trait” in the character of all members of your group?

What if people from your town were classified by others based on the actions of some unruly teenagers? We see this reaction of fear and judgment occurring to members of other ethnic groups today. How can we learn from Lewis and Clark’s interactions with the Indians and try not to repeat their mistakes? Does treating “those people with great distance” accomplish peace?

Theft and Threats | Rules of Fort Clatsop | An Eye for an Eye?
Fear and Distrust of Indians | Giving To Receive | Declining Offers
Shrewd Dealers | Observations of Attitude Toward Trade | Slavery | Tribal Hospitality