During their stay at Station Camp, the Corps of Discovery performed two actions which were unique to the Expedition; they decided by vote as to the location of their winter quarters and they surveyed their location, setting it down in maps which identified their westernmost campsite.
Patrick Gass tells us that “At night the party was consulted by the Commanding Officers, as to the place most proper for winter quarters.” Clark’s journal records each individual’s vote on the vital question of whether or not to attempt a crossing of the Columbia to what is now Clatsop County, Oregon, stay in the waterlogged environment in which they found themselves or attempt to turn around and begin a trek inland. The Captains broke military decision-making tradition on two occasions. The first – at the junction of the Marais and Missouri Rivers - involved more a matter of opinions and, while referenced in the record of events in the journals, was not logged as a vote with individuals tallied. In this instance, instead of simply giving a directive concerning the next stage of the operation, the Captains chose to poll each member of the party and logged both their first and secondary choices. Were the vote not already unusual in a military situation, it is of tremendous moment because of the historical context. While the US Constitution had given states the option to grant women the vote, only New Jersey had done so, although later – in 1807 – the state rescinded that privilege. It would be 115 years until women were granted the vote and 160 years before Black citizens received the conditional right to vote, granted in 1965 and extended (in 1982) until 2007 when this franchise will once again need to be renewed or made permanent.
While there is some ongoing debate among historians as to whether or not this was the most singular incident of such a vote, it was of major import to its participants, since the decision had the potential to affect their ability to survive the winter. Clearly, the leaders of this regiment of infantry felt the significance to be very strong, as Clark noted each person’s vote in his log of the day’s activities, as well as the particular comments made by a few in explaining their choice of directions.
Also on this day, Clark took readings with his sextant and recorded the Expedition’s precise location in his journal.
The final decision to winter on the south side of the Columbia was based upon several practical considerations: the area on that side of the River afforded better protection from winter storms, was more sheltered and would still afford the Corps the opportunity to be in position to see any ships entering the River. Most important, the Chinooks had told them that elk were much more plentiful on the other side. This meant they would have access to a much larger meat supply and to hides which were badly needed to replace wet, moldy clothes and moccasins before they attempted their return trip. There was also a need to replenish their salt supply and this they would be able to do as well because they would still have access to salt water.
