Council Bluffs

Our Lewis & Clark journey.....

We went on to Council Bluffs where William Clark, himself, took us on a trip through the city and up onto the bluffs above the Missouri River. The bluffs were formed by loess,  a deposit of  yellow-grey silt and rock left by the glaciers and formed by the wind. The bluffs offer a sweeping view of the river and the city below. 

One intent of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery was to learn more about the indigenous peoples along the route. There were at least 50 different Native American tribes on their route. The men would hold "council" with the Indians, and in a formal setting present them with a peace medal and proclaim that the Indians now had a new great father in President Jefferson.

The Lewis & Clark Monument in Council Bluffs

A view from atop the bluffs

We also had the opportunity to visit the Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs. This is one of three remaining jails of this sort, where access to a cell can only be gained by rotating the central section of the jail. This jail had ten pie-shaped cells on each of its three floors. Originally, the structure was moved by a hand crank. Later, a motor was installed. Over time, the building has shifted and the structure could no longer turn. 

Model of the Squirrel Cage Jail

Solitary Confinement "closet"

The jailer and his wife lived on the 4th floor. The jailer managed intake of prisoners and the wife prepared all of the meals. There were some additional cells outside of the cage for children or women.

Living room of Jailer's quarters