USGS Exhibits

USGS Data Traces Trail of Lewis and Clark

As part of the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, USGS scientists at Sioux Falls, SD, have designed an exhibit based on satellite and elevation data that traces the journey of Lewis and Clark from St. Louis, Missouri to the Pacific Coast. Titled "The Voyage of Discovery Continues: Another View of the Journey of Lewis and Clark," the exhibit features Landsat 7 satellite images of key points of special historical interest along the Lewis and Clark route, such as Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Ft. Clatsop, Oregon. The exhibit also uses elevation data from The National Map to depict the topographic relief along the entire route of Lewis and Clark, graphically illustrating the rugged extremes of the terrain traversed by the explorers. The exhibit carries a further educational message. Because USGS scientists study many other satellite images similar to those in the exhibit every day to learn more about changes taking place on the landscapes of America and the world, their work can be seen as a contemporary parallel to the explorations of Lewis and Clark 200 years ago. Celebrating 125 years of science for America this year, the USGS makes use of the most modern surveying technologies combined with a bold vision of science to continue the legacy of exploring our natural resources that began with Lewis and Clark.

American Rivers

The USGS has prepared a panel for the traveling exhibit titled "Discovering the Rivers of Lewis and Clark". The panel tells the story of the historical connection and common scientific missions of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the USGS as well as highlights some of the modern day activities of USGS scientists in mapping, biology, geology, and hydrology along the Lewis and Clark trail. Visitors can walk the Lewis & Clark Trail, from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean, learning as they go about the rich river life that the explorers encountered during their great expedition at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The exhibit is managed and cosponsored by American Rivers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The History Channel, and with content donated by National Geographic. You can see this outstanding exhibit at many locations during the Bicentennial. Click here to see when this exhibit will be in your part of the world.

Mobile Exhibits

The U.S. Geological Survey has prepared a mobile exhibit designed to be used at Lewis and Clark Bicentennial signature events, conventions, and gatherings around the country. The exhibit portrays the historical connection and common scientific missions of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the USGS. Local USGS personnel will be available to staff the exhibit and explain regional aspects of USGS science in the disciplines of mapping, biology, geology, and hydrology. If you would like to have someone from the USGS participate in your Lewis and Clark event, contact your local USGS office or:

Jon Campbell
USGS Office of Communications
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20192
joncampbell@usgs.gov
(703)648-4180

Gage House Kiosk

A kiosk installed at the USGS streamflow gage on the Missouri River at Ft. Benton, Montana describes the activities of the Corps of Discovery near Ft. Benton, displays an historic picture of the river, and describes the purpose and operation of the streamflow gage. This streamflow gage is one of over 7,000 across the nation that monitor river levels and flow volumes for the resource managers and the public (see this data in real time as well as historic data at http://water.usgs.gov/data.html ).

Kiosk at the Ft. Benton, Montana streamflow gage. Click picture to view larger image.

Kiosk and Missouri River at the Ft. Benton, Montana streamflow gage. Click picture to view larger image.