The momentous Long’s Expedition of 1819-1820, led by Major Stephen H. Long of the U.S. Topographical Engineers, embarked on a critical mission to explore the vast western territories. This ambitious endeavor, often referred to as the Yellowstone Expedition in its initial phase, aimed to thoroughly examine the country, foster peaceful relations with Native American tribes, and secure strategic benefits for the government. Ordered by the War Department, the expedition marked a significant chapter in American frontier exploration, providing invaluable geographical and ethnographic data.
The Inaugural Journey Up the Missouri
The initial phase of Long’s Expedition commenced in 1819 with the dispatch of a specially constructed steamboat, the Western Engineer. Built near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this innovative vessel was heavily laden with essential provisions and an abundance of presents intended for the Native American tribes they would encounter. The steamboat navigated down the Ohio River, reaching the Mississippi River by June 1, 1819. After a brief but necessary stop in St. Louis, Missouri, the expedition began its arduous ascent of the Missouri River. Along this route, the party made significant stops, reaching Cote Sans Dessieu on July 5, Franklin on the 13th, Chariton on the 22nd, and Fort Osage by August 1.
At Fort Osage, a crucial detachment under the renowned naturalist Thomas Say disembarked. Their objective was to trek across the land, entering what would eventually become the State of Kansas, approximately three miles south of the Kansas River. Say’s party aimed to reach the Kanza Indian villages, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s indigenous populations and natural environment. By August 16, they established a camp where the city of Topeka now stands, and three days later, on August 19, they successfully arrived at a Kanza village situated near the mouth of the Big Blue River, close to present-day Manhattan. Say’s original intent was to extend his visit to the Pawnee villages, but a unfortunate incident involving the theft of his horses and camp equipment forced his return to the Kanza village. From there, he traversed northeast across the country, eventually rejoining the Western Engineer near the mouth of Wolf River.
Diplomacy, Councils, and Winter Quarters
As the expedition progressed along the Missouri River, they encountered Major Benjamin O’Fallon, the Indian Agent for the government, who was also traveling upstream. O’Fallon’s vital mission was to hold peace treaties with various Native American tribes and address recent acts of misconduct. Near Diamond Island, about five miles above the mouth of the Little Platte River, the expedition observed the ruins of an old French fortification, a testament to earlier European presence. Further downstream from Independence Creek, they located the ancient Kanza villages on the west side of the Missouri. Here, they made contact with Captain Martin and his three companies of riflemen, who had been stationed at Isle au Vache since October 1818, enduring harsh conditions and subsisting primarily on game. Long’s expedition generously provided them with much-needed provisions.
A pivotal decision was made to convene a council at Isle au Vache to engage with various Indian tribes. Messengers were dispatched to their respective villages, extending invitations for delegates to attend the meeting on August 24. This significant gathering saw the participation of 161 members of the Kanza tribe and 13 from the Osage. Major O’Fallon sternly addressed their past transgressions against white settlers. In a display of profound submission, the tribal representatives pledged to uphold peace and good conduct moving forward. In return, they received valuable presents, including cloth, tools, trinkets, weapons, and ammunition, symbolizing the government’s commitment to diplomatic relations.
With the steamboat shorthanded, Lieutenant Fields and 15 men were recruited to assist in the challenging upstream journey. By September 1, near the mouth of Wolf River, they were rejoined by Say’s party, who had been compelled to retreat from the Pawnee. The diplomatic efforts continued with a series of councils. On October 3, a formal council was held with the Otoe and Iowa Indians, who likewise pledged allegiance to the government and were given substantial presents. Subsequent councils followed with the Osage, Kanza, Pawnee, Loup, Republican Pawnee, Grand Pawnee, Ponca, Omaha, Sioux, Padouca, Bald Heads, Comanche, Sac and Fox, and Ioway Indians. These ceremonial gatherings often began with the “beggar’s dance,” a ritual where warriors would strike a post and recount their most notable achievements. Major Long had returned to Washington in October, leaving Major O’Fallon to preside over these important proceedings.
The expedition spent the winter of 1819-1820 near Council Bluffs, Iowa, preparing for the next phase of their exploration.
The 1820 Exploration: Platte, Arkansas, and Red Rivers
On June 6 of the following year, Major Long, having returned from Washington, D.C., sent the Western Engineer back to St. Louis, Missouri. He then led a separate party tasked with exploring the valleys of the Platte, Arkansas, and Red Rivers. This overland journey was a critical component of Long’s Expedition, aiming to chart vast, uncharted territories. The party meticulously followed the south fork of the Platte River, tracing its course to near its source in the majestic Rocky Mountains. Having pushed their discoveries as far as his instructions permitted, Major Long strategically divided his command into two divisions.
One division, consisting of 15 men under Captain Bell, was instructed to descend the Arkansas River. The other division, comprising approximately ten men under Major Long himself, was to travel south to locate and descend the Red River. Both parties embarked on their respective routes on July 24, 1820, departing from near Wharf Creek, one of the upper tributaries of the Arkansas River. Long’s party traveled almost directly south, fully expecting to encounter the upper branches of the Red River before turning eastward. However, on July 28, they mistakenly struck the Canadian fork of the Arkansas River. Believing it to be a branch of the Red River, they proceeded to descend it. It was not until September 10, when they reached the mouth of the Arkansas River, that Major Long realized his significant geographical error, a major setback in their intended exploration.
Reunions and Final Encounters
Meanwhile, Captain Bell’s party faced numerous challenges, including intense encounters with Native American tribes and severe food shortages. Despite these hardships, they eventually arrived at Fort Smith, Arkansas, where they were reunited with Major Long’s party a few days later. Following their reunion, an expedition to the Osage villages was planned. At this time, the Osage tribe was broadly divided into three main branches: one residing on the Verdigris River, another on the Osage River, and a third on the Neosho River. The expedition departed on September 21. After visiting these various bands, the party arrived at its predetermined final destination, St. Genevieve, Missouri, bringing the remarkable Long’s Expedition to its close. Captain Kearny and two other individuals also made a side journey through Hot Springs, Arkansas, further contributing to the region’s geographical knowledge.
The expedition, though marked by challenges and a notable geographical misidentification, provided vital scientific and exploratory information. It mapped vast swathes of the American West, documented numerous Native American tribes, and added significantly to the understanding of the continent’s geology, flora, and fauna. Despite its complexities, Long’s Expedition remains a testament to early American ambition and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the untamed frontier.
