News Releases for January 2003
January 10, 2003
Contact: Rachel Retterath, Department of Commerce, Tourism Division
(701) 328-2525
Hoeven Proclaims Start Of Lewis & Clark Bicentennial
BISMARCK, N.D. - Nearly 200 years ago, President Thomas Jefferson sent an expedition westward to find and map a transcontinental water route to the Pacific Ocean. With approval from the Congress, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked on their legendary three-year journey to explore the uncharted West.
“The Lewis & Clark Expedition had a huge impact on North Dakota’s history and culture,” Gov. John Hoeven said. “Now is the time to commemorate the legendary figures and Sakakawea, who helped guide and translate during the journey.”
Hoeven today proclaimed January 18 the official launch of the three-and-one-half year long bicentennial, and highlighted the importance the American Indians’ role in the expedition’s success.
“More travelers will be exposed to North Dakota than ever before because of the bicentennial, and we need to show what a great place North Dakota is to visit,” Hoeven said. “We want travelers to experience the same warm hospitality Lewis and Clark encountered from the American Indians. Visitors will see that North Dakota is a great place to live, work and do business.”
Hoeven, along with a contingent of North Dakota representatives, will attend the national commemoration of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial, which will be launched Saturday, January 18, on the grounds of Jefferson’s home at Monticello, Virginia. The date of the inaugural event marks the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s confidential message to Congress requesting funds for an expedition to the Pacific.
“In Monticello, more than 50 North Dakotans will represent our state to spread the word on our important impact on their journey,” said Sara Otte Coleman, Department of Commerce, Tourism Division Director. “Here is where they met Sakakawea, and the explorers’ journey would not have been possible without her tremendous contributions during their long and perilous journey.”
North Dakota will commemorate this epic journey along with 15 other trail states at Monticello. The event is a springboard into 14 other Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Signature Events that will take place in the next three years. Two of those events will take place in North Dakota: one in Bismarck on Oct. 22-31, 2004, and one in New Town on Aug. 17-20, 2006.
“While at Monticello, North Dakota will have a chance to shine on Jan. 17. Our state will be hosting a media event focusing on North Dakota’s vibrant culture,” said Rachel Retterath, Tourism’s Lewis & Clark coordinator. “The Fort Berthold drummers will play, Keith Bear will play the flute along with a cultural presentation by Amy Mossett.”
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