Get To Know Lewis and Clark’s Enormous Dog, Seaman

 

Get To Know Lewis and Clark’s Enormous Dog, Seaman

I have to start this story by stating that I am a dog lover. I think dogs add so much joy and unconditional love to every aspect of our lives. As I write this, our five-pound Shihtzu, Madibelle, nestles next to me, sound asleep. That being said, it was no surprise that I wanted to drive 45 miles off interstate 94 to see a dog statue that I never knew existed. This dog that had my attention was named Seaman. Seaman was of the Newfoundland breed and was the canine companion to Lewis and Clark on their expedition west.

 

Road trip advice for happy traveling with your dog.

 

Just north of Bismarck, North Dakota, in the town of Washburn, is the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and home to Seaman. Artist Tom Neary created this steel statue that weighs over 1400 pounds. The interpretive center placed the statue on a beautiful historic spot next to the Missouri River at Fort Mandan in 2006. Personally, I think this is probably the biggest dog in the country. According to Shannon Kelly, Interpretive Resource Specialist at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Seaman’s actual measurements are 7 feet tall with a head circumference of just over 8 feet.

 

 

See How Seaman Lived At Fort Mandan State Historic Site

 

In 1803, while preparing for his journey, Lewis purchased Seaman for around $20. Quite a bit of money in the day, but he wanted a sturdy, large dog and a good swimmer, all the traits of a Newfoundland. Because of the dog’s water skills, Lewis named his companion Seaman.

Seaman quickly became a loyal member of the expedition. Lewis became very attached to Seaman and grew very concerned one morning early in the expedition that his dog was missing for a few hours. However, Lewis was happy when Seaman wandered back to camp the next morning. As a dog lover, I can’t imagine the dread and worry when a dog goes missing. It was remarked that Lewis was happiest when he was alone on the shore with his gun, his notebook, and his dog, Seaman.

Seaman had many jobs during the expedition and worked just as hard as the humans. The dog patrolled at night to warn against bears and buffalo. He hunted squirrels for the humans to eat as well as deer and geese. Furthermore, Seaman’s size, at approximately 150 pounds, made most predators scared of him. However, the Native Americans felt more at ease and were often curious about the sizeable black furry dog with the expedition. Seaman made them feel more comfortable because he portrayed Lewis and Clark as friendly and non-threatening.

 

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Seaman’s Legacy After Lewis And Clark’s Expedition

 

Seaman accompanied the expedition for the entire three years and was so revered that he wore a collar. It said, “The greatest traveler of my species. My name is Seaman, the dog of captain Meriwether Lewis, whom I accompanied to the Pacifick(sic) ocean through the interior of the continent of North America”. Unfortunately, not much is known of Seaman after the expedition other than speculation that he died of a broken heart. He was said to have sat at his owner’s grave and refused to eat until he died. Truly a companion love story and a story that I wanted to learn.

 

Final Thoughts

Seeing the large dog and learning his story would not have been possible if our truck had stayed on the Interstate. Although many people call North Dakota the “drive-thru state,” don’t do this. You will miss so many of the treasures the state has to offer.

You can visit Seaman and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center daily from 9 am-5 pm.
Admission to the museum is $8 for adults, $5 for youth, and Free (5 and younger). There is no charge to visit Seaman on his outdoor overlook.

 

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