Patit Creek Campsite

On May 2, 1806, Merriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery passed through what is now downtown Dayton. Having traveled 19 miles on that particular day, the group encamped near Patit Creek.

As part of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, a group of Dayton residents created a full-scale restoration of the campsite with life-size metal silhouette sculptures. Using the journals as reference, all members—human and animal—of the expedition are represented. The camp is located just two miles east of Dayton on Patit Road. Silhouette statues of Lewis, Clark and horses mark Patit Road at the turn from US Highway 12. Signs at the site include a legend of those represented.