Compare the Vote
You Decide!
 n November 24th, 1805 at a location on the Columbia River that became known as "Station Camp," the Lewis and Clark Expedition broke precedent and made history in military decision-making. Despite their authority as Captains to decide where the party should spend the winter, Lewis and Clark turned the question over to a community vote. This was no trivial matter, as the lives of the party and success of the mission depended upon the outcome.
To contemplate the meaning of this event centuries later is a challenge. Lewis and Clark provide no explanation for the momentous decision in their journals. However, they discuss the factors that influenced the decision making process.
This online activity will give you the opportunity to piece together the various considerations that were taken into account. Like the Corps, you will discover these factors as you explore the territory at the mouth of the Columbia. As they traveled downstream in their canoes, you will travel with your mouse, recording information in your online "journal" as it is revealed to you.
When you have thoroughly considered the options, review your notes and vote. Compare your vote with those that were made in 1805. With whom did you agree? With whom did you disagree? Take a look at In Their Words -- Reflections to evaluate the final decision. Was it a good one?
 This activity requires the Macromedia Flash browser plug-in, which can be downloaded for free.
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