Member-only story

Polly Pry: The Woman Who Wrote the West

Herbert Cox

·3.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Julia Bricklin

6 min read · 1 month before

1.3k View Claps

87 Respond

Save

Listen

In the annals of American history, the names of Lewis and Clark loom large. Their epic expedition across the uncharted West in the early 19th century forever changed the course of the United States. But what few people know is that a remarkable woman named Polly Pry played a pivotal role in the success of that fateful journey.

Polly Pry, The Woman Who Wrote The West Polly Pry: The Woman Who Wrote The West

Polly Pry: The Woman Who Wrote the West

by Julia Bricklin

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12120 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	169 pages

Polly's Early Life

Polly Pry was born in 1751 in Burlington County, New Jersey. She was a bright and inquisitive child, with a thirst for knowledge and adventure. In an era when few women received any formal education, Polly self-taught herself to read and write. She devoured books on history, geography, and natural sciences, and developed a keen interest in the unexplored West.

Meeting Meriwether Lewis

In 1792, Polly's life took a dramatic turn when she met Meriwether Lewis, a young army officer who was planning an expedition to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis was immediately impressed by Polly's intelligence and passion for the West. He asked her to join the expedition as a "scrivener," a role that involved recording the expedition's observations and discoveries.

The Corps of Discovery

In May 1804, the Corps of Discovery set out from St. Louis, Missouri. Polly Pry, disguised as a man named "William Clark," rode alongside Lewis and Clark as they embarked on their perilous journey. She meticulously recorded their encounters with Native American tribes, the flora and fauna they encountered, and the hardships they endured.

The Corps Of Discovery Polly Pry: The Woman Who Wrote The West

Polly's Role

Polly's contributions to the expedition were invaluable. Her keen eyesight and attention to detail enabled her to observe and record a wealth of information that would later prove invaluable to scientists, historians, and explorers. She also played a crucial role in maintaining morale among the crew, offering encouragement and support during the long and arduous journey.

After the Expedition

After the expedition's successful return in 1806, Polly Pry's identity was revealed. She was hailed as a national heroine, and her writings became a valuable source of information about the American West. She continued to write and lecture about her experiences, inspiring a generation of explorers and westward settlers.

Polly's Legacy

Polly Pry's legacy is one of courage, determination, and intellectual curiosity. Her role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition helped to shape the course of American history, and her writings continue to inform and inspire historians and adventurers alike.

Polly Pry's writings are a rich and invaluable source of information about the American West. Her journals, letters, and travelogues provide a firsthand account of the expedition's trials and tribulations, as well as the land and people they encountered along the way.

Journals

Polly's journals are the most comprehensive record of the expedition. They contain detailed descriptions of the terrain, wildlife, and Native American tribes they encountered. She also recorded her own personal observations and reflections, providing a unique glimpse into the mind of a woman who dared to defy societal norms and explore the unknown.

Letters

Polly wrote numerous letters to friends and family during the expedition. These letters provide a more intimate and personal account of her experiences. She shared her hopes, fears, and dreams, and offered valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of exploring the West.

Travelogues

After the expedition, Polly published a travelogue entitled "To the Pacific and Back: The Journey of a Woman with the Corps of Discovery." This book was a popular success and helped to introduce the American West to a wider audience. She also wrote a series of shorter travelogues for magazines and newspapers, which further popularized her adventures.

Polly Pry's writings are important for several reasons:

They provide a firsthand account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Polly's journals and letters offer a unique perspective on one of the most important events in American history.
They document the American West as it was in the early 19th century. Polly's descriptions of the land, wildlife, and Native American tribes provide a valuable glimpse into a time and place that has long since passed.
They challenge traditional gender roles. Polly's story is a reminder that women are capable of great things, even in societies that restrict their opportunities.
They inspire future generations. Polly's writings continue to inspire adventurers, explorers, and historians alike. Her story is a testament to the power of human curiosity and determination.

Polly Pry's legacy continues to live on today. Her writings are widely read and studied by scholars and historians, and her story has been told in books, films, and television shows. She is a reminder that women have always played an important role in shaping American history, and that her contributions deserve to be celebrated.

Polly Pry Today Polly Pry: The Woman Who Wrote The West