Lewis and Clark "SEAMAN - The Faithful Companion" - Lewis and Clark Collection
Commemorate one of history's most legendary expeditions with premium hand-poured scented candles, wax melts, artisan handcrafted gift items, and custom designed and printed apparel. In June and July 1805, all 33 members of the Corps of Discovery undertook an epic 18-mile portage around the Great Falls of the Missouri River — a grueling month-long journey hauling canoes, equipment, and supplies across treacherous terrain. This was exploration at its most perilous and transformative. Our Trailhead Candles are made in Montana using only the finest ingredients and premium coconut apricot soy wax, each candle honors the spirit of discovery and the resilience of those who dared to venture into the unknown. Our curated gift items are perfect for history enthusiasts, museum and specialty gift shops, and those who appreciate the stories woven into America's greatest adventure.
Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, was a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the first trip from the Mississippi River to the Pacific coast and back. He was the only animal to complete the entire three-year trip.
Seaman - The Faithful Companion
"The greatest traveler of my species. My name is SEAMAN, the dog of Captain Meriwether Lewis, whom I accompanied to the Pacific ocean through the interior of the continent of North America." Seaman in Great Falls (June-July) 1805 When the Corps of Discovery was navigating the treacherous terrain and portaged around the Great Falls of the Missouri River in Central Montana, Seaman acted as a vital protector and hunting companion. He famously chased off charging bison and alerted his camp to dangers. Seaman did many things to help the explorers, and they became fond of him. He was "our dog".
Loyal: He was the ultimate four-legged companion, even surviving a life-threatening beaver bite to become an essential defender on the camp.
Sagacious: Renowned for his intelligence, the breed's "sagacity" amazed both the crew and the Native American tribes they encountered.
Persevering: He was the only animal to make the entire three-year, 8,000-mile journey to the Pacific Ocean and back.
Seaman was purchased in 1803 specifically for the expedition by Captain Meriwether Lewis, while he was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, awaiting completion of the boats for the voyage. He chose a Newfoundland, whose estimated weight is 150 pounds (68 kg) and for which he paid the high price of $20 (equivalent to $430 in 2025): half a month's pay for an Army captain. Working dogs, strong and easy to handle—Lewis describes Seaman as "docile" - he chose a Newfoundland because they do well on boats, are good swimmers, and can assist in water rescues. His name reflects this.
A modern commentator on the Expedition remarked that "Lewis seems to have been happiest when he was alone on shore with his gun, his notebook, and his dog Seaman."
Seaman survived the expedition, and Lewis took the dog home with him to St. Louis. He is reported to have refused food and died of grief after Lewis's premature death. According to a contemporary historian:
After the melancholy exit of Gov. Lewis, his dog would not depart for a moment from his lifeless remains; and when they were deposited in the earth no gentle means could draw him from the spot of interment. He refused to take every kind of food which was offered him, and actually pined away and died with grief upon his master's grave!
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