Along with expedition leaders Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, was the corps of discovery, a specialty established unit of the United States Army. It was a diverse group. Many had previously served in the army, and a handful had valuable experience as boatmen. But only one, perhaps the most unique of the lot, was called Seaman.
On November 13, 1833 the night became as bright as daylight, the heavens fell, and people feared that it was the end of times. The event was so dramatic that it sparked both a new religion and a new science.