Seaman’s Day at Fort Clatsop

Over two hundred years ago, the 33 people of the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered at Fort Clatsop. The 34th “member” of this expedition was not a human. The 16th annual Seaman’s Day commemorating the dog of the Corps of Discovery will be held Wednesday, July 8 at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort Clatsop.

This event offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Meriwether Lewis’ Newfoundland dog, Seaman, and to meet some modern Newfoundland dogs.  According to the explorers’ journals, Seaman served as a watchdog, hunter, retriever, companion and diplomat during the two-and-a-half year voyage of discovery.

At 11:30 and 3:30, next to the fort replica, rangers will share a talk called Our Dog Seaman. Programs about modern life with a huge, furry Newfoundland dog are scheduled for 12:30 and 2:30. Costumed human rangers will also be at the fort during the day to answer questions, share history, and present flintlock programs at 10:30, 1:30, and 4:30.

The park is open daily from 9:00 to 6:00. The parking lots at the visitor center and at Netul Landing are all open this summer. Admission is $3 per adult and free for youth 15 and under. Passes to National Park Service sites are accepted.

For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471.