HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

George Shannon of the Lewis & Clark Expedition

Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky

Marker Inscription

Lewis and Clark in Kentucky, George Shannon. George Shannon, youngest member of the 1803-06 Lewis & Clark Expedition, studied at Transylvania Univ. and practiced law in Lexington. His office was in Jordan’s Row on Upper Street. He married Ruth S. Price on Sept. 19, 1813. (Reverse) Shannon was a member of patriotic organizations and the Masonic Lodge. He served in the Ky. legislature 1820-23 and in 1824 was appointed a state circuit judge. In 1828 Shannon and his family moved to Missouri. *Presented by Ohio River Chapter-Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Fdn; National Park Service, Ky . Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission, Lexington History Museum, Transylvania Univ.

Erected by Kentucky Historical Society

The Story

George Shannon was the youngest member of the Corps of Discovery that crossed the continent from 1803 to 1806. He later settled into Kentucky life, studying at Transylvania University and practicing law from an office in Lexington's Jordan's Row. A member of the Masonic Lodge and patriotic societies, Shannon served in the Kentucky legislature and was appointed a state circuit judge before moving with his family to Missouri in 1828.

Why it matters

Shannon shows the second act of the expedition's veterans, who carried their frontier fame into the courts, legislatures, and civic institutions of the growing western states.

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Related people

  • · George Shannon

Related events

  • · Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803–1806)

Themes & tags

Westward ExpansionFrontier HistoryMemorial

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