Pic Today 12/21/10

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

IN MISSOURI'S MOST FAMOUS CABIN

On May 14, 1804

Lewis and Clark began their epic journey

near St. Louis, on the Missouri River,

as they explored the vast American wilderness

opening the "northwest passage" to the Pacific coast.

By May 25, they reached Washington, Missouri,

and the Fort Charrette trading post.

French fur traders had established La Charrette ("little wagon")

for trappers headed up the "wide Missouri."

In their diaries, Meriwether Lewis recalled this stop as

"the last white settlement we encountered."

The cabin, adjoining the trading post, has been

preserved and carefully restored, complete with

authentic artifacts (including one of the original

Lewis & Clark peace medals and peace pipe.)

Today, historian Crosby Brown resides in the original cabin

and conducts tours of his "home" and historic post.

This 200+ year old cabin is a sacred site to celebrate Christmas

and the earliest days of the American frontier.