George Shannon Marker and Gravesite

George Shannon, the youngest enlisted member of the Lewis and Clark expedition’s permanent party, has often been mischaracterized as a fool prone to getting lost. While it’s true that he was separated from the group twice—setting the Corps’ record for the longest period spent alone on one occasion—the second time he did nothing wrong. In both instances, he made reasonable efforts to survive and reunite with his comrades. Shannon was later wounded in 1807 during a battle with the Arikara Indians.

After the expedition, Shannon pursued a legal career. While studying law independently, he also assisted Nicholas Biddle in preparing a paraphrased version of the Corps’ journals. Although he did not complete formal law studies at Transylvania University, he established a successful practice and became a district attorney, eventually defending notable cases, including representing the Iowa chief Big Neck in a high-profile murder trial. He also served in the Kentucky House of Representatives and held judicial positions.

Shannon passed away on August 30, 1836, in Palmyra, Missouri, where he had traveled for legal work. He was buried one mile north of Palmyra in the Massey Mill Cemetery. A marker commemorating him was dedicated on June 13, 2004, by the Missouri State Society and Hannibal Heritage Chapter of the DAR.

He died in Palmyra, Missouri while on legal business, August 30, 1836, and is buried one mile north of Palmyra, MO in the Massey Mill Cemetery. There is a also a historical Marker dedicated on June 13, 2004 by the Missouri State Society DAR and the Hannibal Heritage Chapter DAR.  The marker is located in the square with the Marion County Courthouse.