Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 21.djvu/59



XXI

The statement has not infrequently been made that the missionary of the cross has led the way in exploration and the acquisition of geographic knowledge among the wilderness lands of the earth. The name most often mentioned in this connection is that of David Livingstone and the claim is true as to a certain part of the continent of Africa. But it is not true as to the extensive region of North America once known as "Old Oregon," of which the present State of Idaho is a part. Into "Old Oregon" it was the flag, the red, white and blue flag we delight to honor, in the hands of Lewis and Clark in 1805 which led the way. And the fur trader seeking for gain followed immediately behind, first the trader from Montreal across the mountain passes into what is now British Columbia, and next the trader from St. Louis from the head waters of the Missouri river, into Idaho.

Earlier than the acquisition of Louisiana by the United States the Northwest Company, fur traders of Canada, had been planning to cross the Rocky Mountains and had sent their partners into the foothills to spy out the road; but the activities of a rival company in the Canadian field delayed them.