Weather Journal of Lewis and Clark

I recently came across the book, Lewis and Clark: Weather and Climate Data from the Expedition Journals, edited by NWS meteorologist Vernon Preston.

Ever since my visit to the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (Gateway Arch) in St. Louis, Missouri, I have been interested in the amazing journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.  Between May 1804 and September 1806, these explorers traveled 4,162 miles from the Mississippi River to the Oregon Coast. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, the “Corps of Discovery” had goals that were both scientific and commercial. Following their mandate, the expedition journals record the geography, flora, fauna, weather, and climate of the then uncharted territory of the American West.

Preston’s book focuses in on the weather and climate data found in the well-ordered journals.  It highlights both the positive and negative impacts the weather had on the expedition as well as how the explorers dealt with the elements. The book also supplements the journal data with route descriptions and historical maps.

A highly detailed book, it would be at home in the library of anyone interested in both meteorology and history.

Route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

Image Credit: Wikipedia