Legends & Lies: The Real West Season 2 Episode 12 America's First Christmas

Legends & Lies: The Real West is an American docu-series that explores different events and figures from the American Wild West. In season 2 episode 12, titled "America's First Christmas," the show delves into the holiday season of 1804, when the Lewis and Clark Expedition was making its way westward.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the expedition's journey. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the group of explorers set out from St. Louis, Missouri with the goal of reaching the Pacific Ocean. They faced many challenges and hardships along the way, including harsh weather, dangerous animals, and unfamiliar terrain.

As Christmas approached, the members of the expedition found themselves in what is now North Dakota. They were far from home and civilization, and the harshness of the wilderness seemed to amplify their loneliness and longing for the comforts of the holiday season.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Lewis and Clark were determined to make the most of their Christmas in the wilderness. They ordered a celebration to lift the spirits of the expedition members and create a sense of camaraderie and togetherness.

The show describes the celebration in detail, painting a vivid picture of the sights and sounds of the first Christmas in the American West. The explorers gathered around a large campfire, exchanging stories and singing songs. They ate a special meal of roasted venison, wild turkey, and buffalo tongue – a true feast by wilderness standards.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the celebration was the exchange of gifts. Lewis and Clark had prepared for the journey by bringing a number of items that would be highly prized by the Native American tribes they encountered. These items, including beads, tobacco, and mirrors, were distributed among the members of the expedition as Christmas gifts.

The episode also touches on the historical significance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and how it impacted the course of American history. The explorers gathered valuable information about the western territories, opening up new trade routes and making it possible for more settlers to migrate westward.

Overall, Legends & Lies: The Real West season 2 episode 12, "America's First Christmas," offers a fascinating glimpse into the early years of American exploration and the adventurous spirit of the men who led the way. It's a tale of survival, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season, even in the most challenging of circumstances.