Lewis and Clark Research and Interpretive Center
COMING SOON
To be located in the old school library at 209 N 13th St, West Point, KY 40177
Meet West Point’s Expedition Members
Joseph Field
Woodsman and Hunter
1772–180
Joseph and Reuben Field were excellent woodsmen and hunters. Along with his brother and George Drouillard, he accompanied Captain Lewis on the side-exploration of the Marias River in July 1806.
Joseph was one of the first casualties of the expeedition.
Rueben Field
Woodsman and Hunter
1781-1822
Lewis on the brothers: “Two of the most active and enterprising young men who accompanied us. It was their peculiar fate to have been engaged in all the most dangerous and difficult scenes of the voyage, in which they uniformly acquited themselves with much honor.”
John Shields
Blacksmith
1769-1809
Shields was the oldest man in the expedition and a skilled blacksmith and gunsmith. He ensured all weapons were in working order throughout the expedition. Lewis wrote, “Nothing was more peculiarly useful to us...then the skill and ingenuity of this man as an artist”.
Why was Clark in West Point?
Clark recruited nine young men from Kentucky while waiting for Lewis to arrive in Louisville.
Three of whom were living in West Point, KY and were later considered “The top hands”.
Some believe the Field brothers were acquainted with Clark before the expedition.
History of West Point
In 1796, James Young and Samuel Pearman established the town of West Point on land owned by Young. Its name was derived from its status as the westernmost English-speaking settlement downstream from the Falls of the Ohio River. Over time, the town thrived due to access to the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers (Founding of West Point Marker in West Point).
Today, West Point is a tranquil town on the Ohio River, celebrated for its scenic riverfront. The town's commitment to preserving its unique heritage is evident in its local events, making West Point a captivating destination for visitors looking to explore the intricate history of Early America.
Latest Updates!
OUR MISSION is to cultivate knowledge of the Lewis and Clark Corp of Discovery through interactive exhibits focused on the lives of expedition members, especially West Point’s own Reubin Fields, Joseph Fields, and John Shields.
Layout of Library
Prospective Layout of Exhibits
Gallery
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Lewis and Clark Research And Interpretive Center at West Point, KY
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