Feedback Form

Elk Point: Patrick Gass elected as sergeant

Elk Point: Patrick Gass elected as sergeant
LC Features
South Harrison Street
Elk Point South Dakota 57025

Information

lat: 42.6841828 long: -96.6934677

Elk Point, South Dakota, holds a significant place in the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition as the site of a pivotal moment in their journey. While camped at the “Elk Sign” campsite on August 22, 1804, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark oversaw the replacement of Sergeant Charles Floyd, who had succumbed to illness just two days prior. This solemn occasion led to the first recorded election in the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase, marking an extraordinary break from standard military custom.

The Corps of Discovery elected Private Patrick Gass to take on the role of sergeant, a decision influenced by his reputation as a man of “capacity, diligence, and integrity,” as noted by Captain Lewis. Gass, at 33 years old, was one of the most seasoned members of the Corps and a skilled carpenter, essential qualities on the frontier.

Patrick Gass would go on to chronicle the expedition in his journal, a remarkable feat given his limited formal education. His writings provide invaluable insights into the journey, offering a unique perspective on the Corps’ experiences. After the expedition, Gass settled in Wellsburg, Virginia (now West Virginia), and lived to the remarkable age of 99, becoming the last surviving member of the Corps of Discovery.

Elk Point also served as a place of reunion for the Corps of Discovery on September 3, 1806, as they returned from their groundbreaking expedition. Upon their arrival, they encountered James Aird, a Scottish fur trader, who provided news from the United States, including updates on President Jefferson’s reelection and the tragic death of Alexander Hamilton in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr.

Today, Elk Point stands as a testament to this rich history. Visitors to the area can explore historical markers commemorating the events of August 22, 1804, including the election of Patrick Gass, a moment that symbolized the democratic ideals of a young nation and its brave explorers venturing into uncharted territory.

Get Directions

Nearby Attractions

Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center
Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center

Elk Cabin, 88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, NE 68770, USA
Distance: 6.33 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers Outdoor Experiences Viewpoints

View Listing
Ionia Volcano
Ionia Volcano

Ionia Volcano, Newcastle, NE, USA
Distance: 6.98 mi (straight line)

Viewpoints LC Features

View Listing
Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve
Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve

MFHM+83 Millnerville, IA, USA
Distance: 8.96 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences

View Listing
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

272 Westshore Dr, North Sioux City, SD 57049, USA
Distance: 13.08 mi (straight line)

General History Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes

View Listing
Mulberry Bend Overlook
Mulberry Bend Overlook

Mulberry Bend Overlook, State Highway 15, Newcastle, NE, USA
Distance: 13.30 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences Viewpoints LC Features

View Listing
National Music Museum
National Music Museum

National Music Museum, E Clark St, Vermillion, SD, USA
Distance: 13.65 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers

View Listing
Prairiesun Organics
Prairiesun Organics

Prairiesun Organic Farm, 316th St, Vermillion, SD, USA
Distance: 13.70 mi (straight line)

Farms Food and Drinks

View Listing
Cee Cee’s 605 Scratch Kitchen & Bar
Cee Cee’s 605 Scratch Kitchen & Bar

Cee Cee's 605 Scratch Kitchen & Bar, East Main Street, Vermillion, SD, USA
Distance: 13.78 mi (straight line)

Bars Food and Drinks

View Listing
Dakota Brick House
Dakota Brick House

Dakota Brick House, West Main Street, Vermillion, SD, USA
Distance: 13.83 mi (straight line)

Bars Cultural Districts

View Listing
Carey’s Bar
Carey’s Bar

Carey's Bar, West Main Street, Vermillion, SD, USA
Distance: 13.83 mi (straight line)

Bars Food and Drinks

View Listing
Wacipi
Wacipi

953 N Dakota St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
Distance: 13.99 mi (straight line)

Festivals and Events Tribal Experiences

View Listing
Stone State Park
Stone State Park

Stone State Park, Talbot Road, Sioux City, IA, USA
Distance: 14.75 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes RV and Camping

View Listing
Valiant Vineyards
Valiant Vineyards

Valiant Vineyards Winery & Distillery, West Main Street, Vermillion, SD, USA
Distance: 14.78 mi (straight line)

Breweries and Distilleries Farms Food and Drinks Outdoor Experiences

View Listing
Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Sioux River Road, Sioux City, IA, USA
Distance: 14.83 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers Walks and Hikes Outdoor Experiences

View Listing
Sioux City Railroad Museum
Sioux City Railroad Museum

3400 Sioux River Rd, Sioux City, IA 51109, USA
Distance: 15.46 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers

View Listing
War Eagle Monument
War Eagle Monument

FGVW+GX Sioux City, Iowa, USA
Distance: 17.98 mi (straight line)

Tribal Experiences

View Listing
Palmer Candy Company
Palmer Candy Company

405 Wesley Parkway, Sioux City, IA 51103, USA
Distance: 19.35 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks

View Listing
Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center
Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center

Sergeant Floyd River Museum, Larsen Park Road, Sioux City, IA, USA
Distance: 19.36 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours LC Features

View Listing

Sign Up for the Lewis & Clark Trail Experience Newsletter

Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive the Lewis and Clark Travel Experience newsletter provided by the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance. You can revoke your consent at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribeÂŽ link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

Instagram Feed