WASHINGTON--A new bill to extend the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail into Indiana has passed the House of Representatives.
Representative Luke Messer (IN-06) wrote the bill. It’s called the Eastern Legacy Extension Act. It would extend the trail about 1,200 miles by recognizing the route that Meriweather Lewis and William Clark took along the Ohio River in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois as part of their expedition from 1804-1806.
“The Lewis and Clark expedition is an important part of our Hoosier history, and the route they took along the Ohio River should be celebrated and preserved,” Messer said. “Officially recognizing this scenic trail will help promote tourism in Indiana and will ensure future generations can enjoy this part of our history.”
The trail currently covers 3,700 miles and 11 states. Messer’s bill would extend it to 4,900 miles and 17 states.
Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany have already designated portions of the route as preservation areas.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
(PHOTO: Luke Messer’s Office)
