Lewis and Clark Adventure, Prairie Dogs (No. 723I)

Clark said that the "bark" of these squirrels was "much like that of little toy dogs." A live "dog" was sent back to Washington with a collection of specimens. I resided with President Thomas Jefferson for about 6 months. In the background is "Pompey's tower." Pompey, Sacagawea's son, was a favorite with Clark, who named the tower and carved his own name in its surface. It is the only physical evidence remaining of their trip.The explorers thought it was as if the prairie dogs lived in villages. Their habitat is echoed by an Indian village of hunting tents.