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Reviews
WAITING FOR LEWIS AND CLARK: THE BICENTENNIAL AND THE CHANGING WEST
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by David Sarasohn
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| Oregon Historical Society Press, Portland, 2005. Photographs, bibliography, index. 190 pages. $16.95 paper. |
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| As the seemingly interminable Lewis and Clark Bicentennial approaches its end, it is appropriate to sum up its achievements, its legacy. David Sarasohn has done so in an enlightening and informative book. The Bicentennial has invigorated community spirit in towns and states all along the trail. With Stephen Ambrose's Undaunted Courage (1996) and Ken Burns's PBS series (1997), the Bicentennial created a welcome historical consciousness. Gaps in the literature have been filled, especially by new biographies of William Clark. There is a new national park, new stamps and coins, and the expansive Confluence Project — a series of seven historic sites featuring sculpture and landscape architecture by Maya Lin. We have much to help us remember Lewis and Clark. |
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Sarasohn elaborates on three departures. First, Indian people have become involved in the Bicentennial. Many tribes no longer live where Lewis and Clark found them — it is tough to get excited when you are stuck in Oklahoma. Some important peoples are not federally recognized, such as the Lemhi Shoshone, Sacagawea's tribe. And most Native Americans are not celebrating Lewis and Clark. They are not even commemorating the Bicentennial. At best, they are merely observing it. Still, they see it as a chance to tell their own story. Native American contributions to the Lewis and Clark saga are important new perspectives. |
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Second, Sarasohn stresses heritage tourism, the fastest-growing segment of the travel and recreation industry. The Bicentennial has drawn millions to "signature events" and prominent sites on the trail. Such celebrations are somehow un-American without a commercial angle. |
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Third, the Bicentennial has boosted environmental and conservation efforts along the trail. If Lewis and Clark Expedition sites are drawing visitors, then they are worth saving. Dams on the Snake River, however, will not be breached this time around. |
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None of us will be here for the Tricentennial, but Sarasohn's excellent coverage reminds us of what happened this time. |
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| Harry W. Fritz
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| University of Montana, Missoula |
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