Sex on the Lewis & Clark Expedition

In this episode of "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes," we dive deep into the audacious and often overlooked escapades of the Corps of Discovery, led by none other than Lewis and Clark. Often heralded as the quintessential explorers of the American wilderness, their journey was not merely about charting uncharted territories. Instead, it was a fascinating blend of mapping the West and indulging in some rather scandalous adventures that would make even the most seasoned historian blush.

As we journey up the winding waters of Coochie Creek, we unveil the dual narrative of exploration and debauchery. Drawing from Lewis and Clark’s original journals, we discover that their trek was punctuated by much more than encounters with grizzly bears and unfurling landscapes. These journals reveal a curious interplay of scientific discovery and the pursuit of pleasure, as the Corps found themselves entwined in rituals of the Nez Perce and Mandan tribes—ceremonies that celebrated sexuality and healing in ways that challenge our modern sensibilities.

Listeners will be intrigued by the surprising tales of “big medicine,” a euphemism that hints at the more risqué components of their interactions with Native American cultures. We delve into the spiritual sex ceremonies that the explorers encountered, shining a light on how these experiences shaped their understanding of the world around them and the cultures they sought to document. With each paddle stroke further into the wilderness, Lewis and Clark navigated not just the rivers and the rugged terrain, but also the intricate web of human connection and cultural exchange.

The episode doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of the time, particularly the horrifying treatments for syphilis that were prevalent among the Corps. We take a closer look at the medical practices of the early 19th century, including the infamous penis syringes that were said to be part of their "cures." This shocking revelation serves as a reminder of the lengths to which explorers went in their quest for knowledge—and pleasure—in a world rife with disease and misunderstanding.

Join us as we unravel these tantalizing tales, challenging the traditional narratives of American exploration with a focus on the human aspects of the Lewis and Clark expedition. From their brave yet misguided attempts at medicine to the cultural exchanges that shaped their journey, this episode invites you to reconsider what you thought you knew about this monumental expedition. Tune in to "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes" for a wild ride through the unexplored territories of history, where the past is anything but dull.