After minimal sleep and waking at 5 am, Korch met me at 6 to load up and depart. After a pretty quiet drive to East St. Louis, we arrived at our first stop. One of the great Native cultures north of Mexico lived in an area called Cahokia. There they built giant earthen mounds, the largest took 300 years to build. One of the early and important things I try to impress upon students in 8th grade history is how impressive the early pre-European civilizations are. There is a great deal to learn and appreciate of American history long before the European Age of Exploration began. The photo of Monk's Mound doesn't give a good sense of scale unfortunately. The photos don't capture how piping hot it has been either. I'm definitely ready to get further north.
We then proceeded to Camp Dubois, where the Corps of Discovery wintered as they made their final preparations in the winter of 1803-04. Korch and I were both really impressed with the museum and I was incredibly tempted to pick up some historical maps. Must...stay...strong...
Most notable was the cutaway replica of the 55 foot keelboat that they ventured up the Missouri River in.
Most notable was the cutaway replica of the 55 foot keelboat that they ventured up the Missouri River in.
Finally we arrived in St. Louis after squaring away our campsite in Horseshoe Lake State Park, IL. The Museum of Westward Expansion below the Arch was well done. Construction is all over and the riverfront wasn't as lively as I am accustomed to. I really dig the energy of St. Louis but it has been strangely muted. Baseball game this evening, then a nice fire and setting up camp. I will sleep well tonight.