The
Autumn 2004 JOURNAL of the Jackson County Historical Society features Lewis
and Clark’s French Passport: A Prequel to the Corps of Discovery by
Charles E. Hoffhaus
Plans have been underway for
several years to mark the bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. A
multitude of events--from fireworks and re-enactments to engaging scholarly
lectures and an award-winning play by a local playwright--culminated this
summer over the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday. The keelboat has
moved up-river. This means a couple years’ reprieve for those of us who are
weary of the phrase “Lewis & Clark Expedition.� But before we forget all
the work that went into this multi-state blitz, let’s give thanks to Charles
E. Hoffhaus for his dedication to preserving Kansas City’s French history.
His article, Lewis and Clark’s French Passport: A Prequel to the Corps of
Discovery, gives an insightful look into the Corp’s pre-history. Charles E. Hoffhaus, a retired attorney, is President of La Societe Chouteau (The Chouteau Society), a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to commemorating Kansas City’s French Heritage. He is author of Chez Le Canses: The French Foundation of Kansas City (The Lowell Press, 1984), and lives in Prairie Village. Websites offering more information: Lewis and Clark PBS Documentary National Geographic’s Lewis and Clark Coverage Lewis and Clark Heritage Foundation To order this JOURNAL edition, subscribe or join JCHS click
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