Lewis and Clark would have been poorly prepared for their journey to the Pacific Ocean without aid from the Illinoisans they met during the winter of 1803-04. If the Corps of Discovery had paused only for a short while in the Illinois country little information would have been obtained about the wilderness that stretched before them. Fortunately for all, the Corps spent almost six months along banks of the Mississippi River recruiting soldiers, gathering supplies and listening to experienced explorers. This little-told story of preparation for the famous expedition comes to life in Lewis and Clark in the Illinois Country.
