Camp Site, West Point, KY

Leaving the Mill Creek Camp in the afternoon would be a “Hudson Bay Start”, making that night’s camp not far along the Ohio River.⁽¹⁾ While there is no primary source describing the camp’s location, the reasonable location is West Point, KY, and the mouth of the Salt River. James Young, founder of West Point, established a ferry at the mouth of the Salt River in 1797. The James Young Inn was less than a hundred yards from the ferry and public wharf and Young’s home was across the street. ⁽²⁾ The captains could have visited either house.⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾ The Salt River ferry landing would provide a safe place for the keel boat and red pirogue that night.

West Point was the home of expedition blacksmith John Sheilds.⁽⁵⁾ Joseph and Reubin Field lived nearby in Southwestern Jefferson County, today’s Jefferson Memorial Forest area.⁽⁶⁾⁽⁷⁾ The three members of the Corps of Discovery were essential and involved in every momentous event during the 28-month exploration of the American West.