Lewis and Clark Trail prototype highway marker

Description

The Lewis and Clark Trail is a route using modern-day roads to trace the route of the 1804–1806 Lewis and Clark expedition. It begins in St. Louis and ends at the mouth of the Columbia River at Cape Disappointment, Washington. It was America’s first National Historic Trail. Planning for the route first began in the 1940s, but was neither finalized nor officially marked until 1978. The markers shown here are prototypes that appeared along the trail in some states in the 1940s and 1950s. They are both based on drawings by Irvin Shope, with the originals made of porcelain on steel. One variant depicts Sacajawea pointing out the three forks of the Missouri River in Montana. The other shows Lewis and Clark overlooking the Badlands in the Dakotas. When the trail was formally marked in 1978, rectangular white-and-brown markers showing Lewis and Clark in silhouette were installed instead.

Using photographs of surviving original signs, we brought these Lewis and Clark Trail markers back to life. All the details of our replicas are just like the originals! Given how rare these markers are on the collector’s market, they usually have quite a hefty price tag attached. Get an excellent display piece at an affordable price with our faithful replica.

Our Lewis and Clark Trail markers are flat printed in the USA on heavy 14-gauge steel. The glossy, non-reflective finish is a near-perfect match to the original’s porcelain. Just like the originals, our replicas are well-suited for indoor or outdoor display. We offer these markers in four sizes: 12-inch, 16-inch, 24-inch, and 36-inch diameters. All of them include two mounting holes to make installation easy as can be. (Want this sign in a custom size? Or maybe there’s another sign out there you’re looking for? We would be pleased to help! Just contact Jake to place your custom order today!)