By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – A team of historical re-enactors Monday landed a replica of a Lewis and Clark pirogue on the St. Louis riverfront.
The crew is following the explorers' route over three years, and some will camp for the winter in Wood River, Illinois as the Corps of Discovery did in 1804.
Historian Scott Mandrell is playing the role of Meriwether Lewis.
"It truly is the American story," he said. "There's a point of affinity for everyone who lives in this country, even new immigrants to this country. The stories that are told as part of this expedition are great lessons for us all."
The crew is trying to be as historically accurate as possible. But Mandrell says today's rivers are shallower and more dangerous than those of 1804, so the crew is using modern amenities like a motor and cell phones.