PATHFINDERS

PATHFINDERS

Roger A. Davis

Birch bark and dugout canoe
Paddling inland on river and creek
Their adventure was to seek
Trade or raid and counting coup

Game trails in forest and plain
Native Americans’ domain
Santa Fe Trail, legend is spun
Shooting arrows at the setting sun

Other countries came to explore
Including Coronado, the conquistador
French, Dutch and English ships arrived
Settlements were established, some survived

Thirteen colonies became our main border
British tried to maintain Parliamentary order
Independence was won and U.S.A. became our name
Now we had a Flag to stake a claim

Thomas Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark
Western expansion it did spark
Expedition began on Mississippi and Missouri
That led to the opening of Louisiana Territory

Monsieur Charbonneau and Sacagawea, his wife
Helped the "Corps of Discovery" avoid tribal strife
Through the mountains to the Pacific shore
Shoshone Ambassador immortalized in our folklore

Jim Bridger and the mountain men
Made a living trapping animal skin
Later they helped those on the western treks
As wagon train guides, again risking their necks

Bridger's South Pass on the Oregon Trail
Where pioneers crossed the great Divide
Then a long thousand mile slide
To where the ocean-going ships sail

The Gold Rush and other precious mineral finds
Brought a quest for quick wealth in the mines
Many searched for the bag of yellow dust
Dakota, Alaska, California or bust

Homestead Act and the driving of the Golden Spike
Events motivated settlers west by road and rail
Free land, build home and farm, not for the frail
For many a journey on an overwhelming turnpike

Congress ratified Alaska and Hawaii in 1959
Armstrong and Stars and Stripes on the Moon in 69
America from sea to shining sea
Even to the Sea of Tranquility

To keep our American spirit alive
It is to continue to explore and strive
Remember to trust in God's sight
That He will lead by His Guiding Light