Photo courtesy National Park Service.

The expedition passed the mouth of the Niobrara on September 4, 1804. Two weeks later they noted the abundance of animal life in the region. September 17, 1804. Lewis: …this plane extends with the same bredth from the creek below to the distance of near three miles above parrallel with the river, an it is intirely occupyed by the burrows of the barking squiril heretofore descibed; this anamal appears here in infinite numbers and the shortness and virdue of grass gave the plain the appearance throughout it's whole extent of beautifull bowling-green in fine order.

More about the people: August 14th, 1804. Clark: The ravages of Small Pox (which Swept off 400 men & womin & children in perpopotion) has reduced this nation [the Omaha tribe] not exceeding 300 men and left them to the insults of their weaker neighbours, which before was glad to be on friendly turms with them. I am told when this fatal malady was among them they Carried their franzey to verry extraordianry length, not only of burning their Village, but they put their wives & children to Death with a view of their all going together to some better Countrey. They burry their Dead on the top of high hills and rais Mounds on the top of them. The cause or way those people took the Small Pox is uncertain, the most Probable, from Some other nation by means of a warparty.

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