Lewis and Clark Trail History

Bad Humor Island in South Dakota

While still at the mouth of the Missouri River, Captain William Clark was warned that the Sioux living upstream were numerous, hostile, well armed and certain to demand a ransom in return for right of passage. The encounter with the Yankton Sioux near today's Gavin Point Dam went well, thanks in part to the presence of Pierre Dorion, a Frenchman who had lived with the tribe for a number of years, and had taken a Yankton wife.

The encounter with the Teton Sioux near present-day Pierre, South Dakota did not go well. They demanded a toll of one canoe-load of goods, something that the captains could not possibly agree to. Regarding the Sioux, President Thomas Jefferson had given special commands to Meriwether Lewis, writing "On that nation, we wish most particulary to make a favorable impression". Nevertheless, the overriding objective was to make it across the continent and back; for that reason there was a cannon and a blunderbuss on the keelboat, and blunderbusses on the canoes.

The use of lethal force was threatened, and the expedition continued up the Missouri River. They called the spot where they camped that evening "Bad Humor Island", as there was ill will on all sides. The island where they camped that evening is now known as LaFramboise Island, and it has been turned into a nature preserve by the South Dakota Division of Parks & Recreation.

LaFramboise Island Nature Area is covered in trees and meadows which provide a home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. Seven miles of walking, hiking, bicycling, snowshoe and cross-country ski trails wind through island, enabling users to view birds and a variety of animals. It is not uncommon to view bald eagles and deer there.