Local Lewis and Clark enthusiasts joining national trail system

The group plans to meet Sunday to form an official chapter.

By Chris Pagano ~ Southeast Missourian

A local group interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition's westward journey is taking the next step to becoming a chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation.

Recently, 20 people from Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Advance, Scott City and Charleston, Mo., and Olive Branch and Unity, Ill., gathered and decided to form the Drouillard Chapter of the trail.

"Everybody thinks Lewis and Clark started their journey in St. Louis," said Jane Randol Jackson, Cape Girardeau Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission chairwoman. "The formation of the Drouillard Chapter will enable the eastern leg of the expedition to become part of the Lewis and Clark Trail."

The Lewis and Clark Trail Commission was established by Congress in 1964 to "stimulate federal, state and local agencies to identify, mark and preserve for the public inspiration and enjoyment of the route traveled by Lewis and Clark." The commission worked to have the trail marked with highway signs and recommended federal protection of the trail. The recommendation that a private not-for-profit organization be formed to carry on their work was made and in 1969 the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation Inc. began fulfilling that mission.

The new chapter will be named for one of the chief hunters on the expedition, George Drouillard, who was a nephew of Cape Girardeau founder Louis Lorimier. Lewis and Clark visited Lorimier's home while in Cape Girardeau and Drouillard returned to Cape Girardeau after the expedition ended.

The next step in becoming a chapter is to join the Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail Foundation, the national organization. Membership requirements include development of by-laws, the nomination of officers and an outline of proposed activities. A meeting is planned for 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Red House Interpretive Center to nominate a slate of officers and discuss future activities.

Plans for the Drouillard Chapter include four meetings per year to be divided among the tri-state region: Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky. The three divisions will work independently at their trail sites and unify to keep the Lewis and Clark Drouillard Chapter alive. The foundation's goal is to pass on the heritage of the Lewis and Clark expedition to future generations ensuring the stories will be told for the next 100 years.

In the Southeast Missouri region, the Red House Interpretive Center, a re-creation of the Louis Lorimier home, is the centerpiece of activity. Since January 2004, the center has had 2,101 visitors and has already met the 2004 budget, having raised an excess of over $1,000. Friends of the Red House Foundation continue to work toward the goal of reaching a $100,000 goal so the interest generated can be used for special events or programs and major maintenance. Donations are tax deductible and membership forms may be obtained at the Web site at www.sebuzz.com/ 116.

Checks should be made payable to Parks Development Foundation -- with Red House Interpretive Center noted on the memo line -- and mailed to Parks Development Foundation, A.C. Brase Arena, 410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133