The First Council Medallion
One of the assignments given the Corps of Discovery by Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States, was to seek out, meet, and cultivate friendship with the Native American Indians. On July 30th, 1804, near what is present day Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, the expedition camped on the Missouri shore below a bluff for four days awaiting the arrival of the Missouri and Oto Indians. The chiefs and some of their warriors arrived late in the day on August 2nd. The following day, a powwow "first council" was held with the Oto and Missouri Indians. Lewis explained that they had a new "father" which was another way of saying "a new government." The "first council" was replete with ceremony, pageantry, and diplomacy. The Corps of Discovery dressed out in military uniform, paraded together, demonstrated weaponry, and displayed the United States flag. Lewis and Clark exchanged gifts, smoked the peace pipe and traded speeches with the Indians. Clark later recommended the site for the location of a fort. Fort Atkinson, built on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri in 1820, was known as Camp Council Bluff during its construction, because of its closeness to the Lewis and Clark council site.
Description of Medallion Images: Lewis is handing a Peace Medal to a Native American chief. The Native American chief represents the Oto and Missouri tribes. The interpreter, who is seated, represents a French fur trapper.
The "First Council" medallion is sponsored by the Washington County Nebraska Historical Association. For more information and details on the Washington County Nebraska Historical Association please visit http://www.newashcohist.org
The Washington County Nebraska Historical Association can be contacted at:
Washington County Nebraska Historical Association
P.O. Box 25
Fort Calhoun, NE 68023
402.468.5740
The Washington County, Nebraska Historical Association also has the Lewis & Clark Council Bluff Interpretive Monument with the First Council bronze work of art. For more details, visit http://www.firstcouncil.org
Bronze $8.49 Bronze Key Chain $9.49 Silver $34.95 Selectively Gold Plated $54.95 Each medallion is specially designed and minted by Northwest Territorial Mint in Auburn, Washington to the following specifications:
Bronze medallions: Assay: MerlinGold TM Bronze Size: 39 mm Diameter Thickness: 2.9 mm
Silver & Selectively Gold Plated Medallions: Assay: .999 Fine Silver Weight: 1 Troy Ounce Size: 39 mm diameter Thickness: 2.9 mm Strike: Proof
