The summary of ‘The Forgotten Expedition’

The video discusses the lesser-known Dunbar Hunter expedition, which was the first complete exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. Led by William Dunbar and George Hunter, the expedition provided valuable insights into the region. Dunbar, a member of a Royal Scottish family, innovated in cotton production and corresponded with Thomas Jefferson about inventions. The explorers faced challenges as they journeyed from the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains, encountering diverse landscapes, wildlife, and Native American interactions. Despite facing obstacles such as shallow waters and delays, their findings were widely shared, contributing to American knowledge of the new territory. The video concludes with the historical legacy of Dunbar and Hunter, emphasizing their significant yet often overlooked contributions to American history.

00:00:00

In this part of the video, it is discussed that after Thomas Jefferson approved the Louisiana Purchase, a team led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark was sent to explore the region. Simultaneously, another team led by George Hunter and William Dunbar was dispatched to investigate the lower part of the Purchase. Despite being lesser-known compared to Lewis and Clark, the Dunbar Hunter expedition was the first complete exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. Their journey provided valuable insights into the territory and showcased their keen observational skills. Although the Lewis and Clark expedition is more well-known, the significance of Dunbar and Hunter’s contribution should not be overlooked.

00:05:00

In this segment of the video, William Dunbar, a member of an ancient Royal Scottish family, migrated to America in 1771 and established a successful cotton plantation in Mississippi utilizing slave labor. He innovated by introducing the square cotton bale and extracting oil from cottonseed. Dunbar, embodying a mix of Southern plantation culture and scholarly aspirations, corresponded with Thomas Jefferson regarding inventions and exploration. George Hunter, a chemist, joined Dunbar to lead an expedition exploring the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains, supported by Congress with funds for equipment and salaries.

00:10:00

In this segment of the video, Hunter secures a boat resembling a Chinese junk for a voyage from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. They depart on May 25th, 1804, with a diverse crew. However, Jefferson postpones the mission due to concerns about the Osage Indians’ hostility, leading to the decision to delay the expedition until the following spring. Dunbar proposes a trial run up the Ouachita River, showcasing unique natural features like the Boiling Spring, with the aim to provide detailed descriptions to Jefferson.

00:15:00

In this segment of the video, the Expedition heads south of the Osage hunting grounds, leaving Natchez after a delay. They camp on an island along the Mississippi River, navigate through the Black River, and encounter wildlife like geese, ducks, and alligators. They come across a black man named Harry, detain him briefly, and later hand him over to his planter owner. The crew faces challenges as the river becomes shallow, the boat sticks on the muddy bottom, and they have to drag it through the channel. The soldiers are tired and frustrated, experiencing difficulties moving upstream.

00:20:00

In this segment of the video, the narrator describes the challenges faced during an expedition where the soldiers complained about not following orders, being lazy, and encountering primitive conditions. The expedition reached the last Trading Post on the Ouachita at Fort Mero in present-day Monroe, Louisiana. The settlers at Fort Mero were criticized for their lazy lifestyle and reliance on hunting instead of farming. They were likely criminals or individuals engaged in the skin trade. The group hired an experienced pilot named Blazer as a guide. The expedition found a proper flat-bottom barge for their journey up the river. The narrator reflects on the unsuitability of their original Chinese boat for the shallow waters. They floated the new boat to Baron Bastrop’s plantation, encountering diverse landscapes and living conditions along the way.

00:25:00

In this part of the video, the explorers detail their journey along the river, encountering various wildlife and engaging in hunting activities. They mention the abundance of Longleaf Pine and fat deer and bears in the area due to autumn feeding. The hunters profit from the bears’ fat by extracting oil. The transcript also highlights an incident where a pistol accidentally discharges, injuring a member of the expedition. As they continue towards the hot springs, they meet a sick individual traveling for health recovery. The temperature rises to 70 degrees, and they observe clear water and encounter a Delaware Indian painted with Vermilion. The explorers describe their boat as nine feet wide and 49 feet long.

00:30:00

In this segment, a Dutchman named Paul guides Hunter to investigate a location with abundant silver along the Ouachita River. They find evidence of Indian habitation and salt production with earthen pots. Salt was a valuable resource, economically and politically. Hunter is wary of the Osage tribe, known for hostility. The landscape becomes winter-gray with rich vegetation, including persimmons and grapes. They also encounter a rock formation resembling European castles at a place called Rockport. The explorers face a challenge at the shoots, a jagged waterfall where their boat gets wedged, requiring efforts to dislodge it.

00:35:00

In this segment of the video, explorers faced challenges dragging their vessel over shoots near a waterfall. They then made camp and sent a party to find hot springs, with returned reports of their beauty and medicinal qualities. Scientists conducted experiments on the hot springs, noting its high temperature and unique rock formations. The explorers observed gas emissions and red iron deposits in the springs. Scientific investigations on the origin of the hot water and lime deposits raised questions that required further research.

00:40:00

In this segment of the video, the explorers visited Hot Springs and focused on a scientific view, documenting the vegetation, soils, water, and animals of the area. They faced challenges like an ice storm and illness during their experiments. They celebrated Christmas at the camp, indulging in some whiskey and innocent merriment with rifle volleys. They became trapped at Hot Springs due to shallow water, waiting for the river to rise before heading downstream. This experience may have dampened Dr. Hunter’s enthusiasm for field research. The expedition encountered 10 Native Americans from the River Arkansas and learned about their interactions with the president of the United States.

00:45:00

In this segment of the video, the expedition downstream continues at a quick pace, with occasional stops to examine rapids and collect stones. Dr. Dunbar breaks off from the group with a canoe, while Hunter and crew proceed to Natchez and New Orleans. Dr. Hunter gives a positive account of the land they passed through, noting varied soil types and the gentle, beautiful river. The doctors explore the Ouachita hot springs and believe they have exceptional medical properties. Their reports were widely published post-return, providing valuable information to the American public about the new territory. The expedition’s findings, including the hot springs, were documented in a 200-page journal. Jefferson presented an official report to Congress, leading to its publication in various newspapers. Today, the Hunter Dunbar journals are part of the American Philosophical Society’s collection for future studies.

00:50:00

In this segment of the video, it is discussed how the planned grand expedition by Hunter and Dunbar to the headwaters of the Arkansas did not take place due to fear of the Osage and lack of funding. Hunter later became a wealthy businessman in New Orleans. Dunbar’s health declined after his expedition, and he passed away in 1810. The video also mentions a spring pilgrimage to the ruins of William Dunbar’s plantation, with college students learning about his forgotten expedition. The students see remnants of Dunbar’s home, envision his departure for expeditions, and visit his grave with an original handwritten diary in possession of his descendants. The students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Dunbar’s significance in American history.

00:55:00

In this part of the video, the speaker mentions the sponsors of the program, including the Arkansas Humanities Council, the department of Arkansas heritage, Ouachita Baptist University, the University of Arkansas, and View. These sponsors support the program and are involved in various educational and scholarly activities.