On August 24, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition came into view of a cast plain where a huge hill lay before them. The local Indians called the hill they were viewing “Spirit Mound.” The hill got its name through tales and superstition. Rumored to house devils in the shape of 18 inch humans with large heads, these “little people” armed with sharp arrows would attack anyone who approached the hill. In addition, large assemblies of birds around the mound provided evidence of unnatural spirits for the Indians.

The Omaha, Sioux, and Otoe Indians would not approach Spirit Mound at all. Lewis and Clark set up a scouting party to climb and explore the hill on the following day. The two captains and nine other men set out to summit Spirit Mound. The explorers encountered no little people with sharp arrows. Instead, all complained of a great thirst and immense heat. Once atop the hill they gazed upon the vast beauty of the plains ahead of them. Tremendous amounts of buffalo grazed on plains that stretched as far as the eye could see. The plains being devoid of timber caused the winds to blow vigorously towards the hill. The forceful winds pushed various kinds of insects into the hill, causing small birds to flock to the food source. Today, Spirit Mound is one of the few places where visitors can stand in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark.

Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History Student Johnathan Jones.