Meeting at the Earth Lodges: Lewis and Clark Among the Mandan
NARRATOR: Late October 1804. The Corps of Discovery, led by Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, pushes northward along the Missouri River. The autumn air in present-day North Dakota turns sharply cold, warning of the formidable northern winter ahead.
CAPTAIN LEWIS: Look ahead, Clark. Through the clearing fog along the riverbank, those large circular earth lodges belong to the Mandan nation. We must make a peaceful first impression. Our mission depends on securing diplomatic relations and finding shelter for the coming winter.
CAPTAIN CLARK: Agreed, Lewis. The river is already crusting with ice along the edges. We need to establish a winter camp nearby, but first, we must present our intentions to the village leadership.
NARRATOR: As the expedition boat touches the shore, a delegation of Mandan leaders steps forward to meet them. Among them is Chief Sheheke, a prominent leader of the Mitutanka village.
CHIEF SHEHEKE: Welcome to our land along the Missouri. We have observed your large keelboat moving up the river for days. Who are you, and what brings such a large party into Mandan territory?
- expedition:
- A journey taken by a group of people with a specific purpose, such as exploration or scientific research.
- delegation:
- A group of representatives chosen to speak or act on behalf of a larger group or nation.
- fortification:
- A defensive structure, wall, or fort built to protect a group or military position.
- hospitality:
- The friendly and generous reception and treatment of guests or visitors.
- geography:
- The study or arrangement of the physical features, terrain, and rivers of a land area.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Who were the leaders of the Corps of Discovery mentioned in the passage?
- 2What specific gifts did the expedition leaders present to Chief Sheheke and the Mandan leaders?
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About this reader's theater passage for Middle School
“Meeting at the Earth Lodges: Lewis and Clark Among the Mandan” is a reader's theater reading passage about Lewis and Clark Expedition and Mandan Alliance, written for Middle School. It takes about 4 minutes to read (615 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.