On The Trail Of Discovery

Art on Sunday #7

Unveiled in 2006, On the Trail of Discovery features five life-sized bronze figures: Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, a generic Indian man and girl, and Clark’s big explorer dog Seaman.  Located on the front lawn of the Museum of the American Quilter’s Society in Paducah, Kentucky, the sculptures were donated by Bill and Meredith Schroeder, founders of the Museum.

Meriwether Lewis  and Seaman

William Clark

According to the sculptor, George Lundeen, who designed these figures, the Native Americans shown here represent all Native Americans who helped Lewis and Clark during their journey. He purposely placed few decorations or designs on their clothing because he did not want to identify them with any particular Native American group. The man wears a “peace medal” with the likeness on it of President Thomas Jefferson. Peace medals were presented by the Co-Captains to the Native American chiefs they met along the way. If you look carefully, you will also find a “coin” similar to the Sacagawea dollar. The Sacagawea dollar was not created until 2000, but the image provides a reminder that Sacagawea, a Native American woman, traveled from Montana to the Pacific Ocean and back with the Expedition assisting the expedition in many ways. The child holds an American flag similar to ones that would have been carried by the expedition. (Sue Henry Photography)

Native American child with expedition’s 1803 flag

Native American man