Indian residents consider their own. The Indians’
view is upheld by international law. Technically,
the United States purchased from France only the
right to negotiate with the Indians of Louisiana
for their lands. In practice, however, Americans
will often act as though they purchased the land
itself, by seizing Indian territory without consul-
tation or compensation.
1804May 14
The Lewis and Clark Expedition begins to
explore the Louisiana Territory.
Organized by President Thomas Jefferson and
funded by $2,500 appropriated by Congress, an
expedition of 35 men sets off from St. Louis to
explore the recently acquired Louisiana Purchase
(see entry for APRIL 30, 1803). The explorers
are led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.
Among the expedition’s goals are finding a land
route to the Pacific Ocean, strengthening Ameri-
can claims to the Oregon Territory, and gathering
information about the American Indian tribes liv-
ing between the Mississippi River and the Pacific
coast. (See also entries for APRIL 1805 and for
SEPTEMBER 23, 1806.)
November 3
The Sac and Fox sign the Treaty of St. Louis.
Following the deaths of several settlers at the hands
of Sac and Fox warriors, federal officials invite the
Indians’ leaders to travel to St. Louis for a treaty
conference. There they sign a treaty that they be-
lieve allows whites to hunt in their territory. In
fact it cedes 50 million acres of land to the United
States. Many Sac and Fox leaders, including Black
Hawk, later denounce the treaty, as will a number
of Sac and Fox bands who had no representatives
at the conference. The U.S. refusal to address their
complaints will help lead to Black Hawk’s War (see
entry for APRIL TO AUGUST 1832).
1805The Munsee Prophetess reforms the Big
House religion.
As the United States takes control of the Lenni
Lenape (Delaware)’s homeland, a woman known
as the Munsee Prophetess has a vision indicating
that the Lenni Lenape’s Big House religion must
be reformed. She preaches that the Lenni Lenape
should maintain their traditional ways and resist
adopting non-Indian customs and Christianity.
She also gives women a more prominent role in the
rites of the Big House and encourages young men
to take on positions of leadership. Largely owing to
the prophetess’s teachings, the Lenni Lenape will
execute several tribe members for supporting Amer-
icans and practicing the Christian religion. (See also
entry for AUTUMN 1924.)AprilThe Shawnee prophet Tenskwatawa founds
an Indian religion.
A Shawnee named Lalawethika (meaning “noise-
maker”), known for his laziness and fondness for
alcohol, falls into a trance from which he emerges
advocating a new Indian religion taught to him
by the Master of Life. He preaches that all Indi-
ans should unite in preserving their traditional
cultures and shunning the ways of non-Indians.
He is especially adamant that Indians should not
drink liquor or intermarry with whites. Called
the Prophet by some, Lalawethika gives himself
the name Tenskwatawa, which means “The Open
Door”—a reference to Jesus’ statement, “I am the
Open Door.”
Tenskwatawa attracts followers from many
tribes who are drawn to his promise that if Indians
heed his words, “all the white people will be cov-
ered, and you alone shall inhabit the land.” Among
those inspired by Tenskwatawa is his brother Te-
cumseh, who will organize an Indian confederacy
to halt white encroachment in the Ohio River val-
ley (see entry for 1808).