Lewis and Clark: Northern vs Southern Route (1805)
by Anonymous
Lewis and Clark had to choose how to cross the Rocky Mountains. Sacagawea's knowledge of Shoshone territory guided them to the Lemhi Pass, avoiding the impassable southern routes.
Lemhi Pass (Northern Route)
1805
year
Difficult but passable with Shoshone horses
terrain
Sacagawea facilitated trade with Shoshone
native relations
Chosen — reached Pacific by November 1805
outcome
Direct Western Crossing
1805
year
Impassable cliffs and canyons
terrain
Unknown territory
native relations
Not chosen — would have failed
outcome
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