The Lewis & Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1804-1805 along the Missouri River in what is now North Dakota. This excerpt is taken from the writings of William Clark on December 25, 1804:
I was awakened before Day by a discharge of 3 platoons from the Party and the french, the men merrily Disposed, I give them all a little Taffia and permited 3 Canon fired, at raising Our flag, Some men went out to hunt & the Others to Danceing and Continued untill 9 oClock P,M, when the frolick ended.





