The Newfoundland and the New Frontier: Seaman’s Tale
This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast:
May 2, 1803
On this verdant day, the United States, a fledgling nation, expanded its borders significantly when Napoleon ceded the vast Louisiana Territory to the Americans for a mere pittance. A botanist's heart leaps with joy at the thought of such a vast, unexplored wilderness.
This acquisition was a stroke of botanical fortune and would have profound implications for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Meriwether Lewis, the intrepid leader of this ambitious endeavor, was tasked with the daunting mission of charting the newly acquired territory.
To prepare for this endeavor, Lewis sought the counsel of the eminent botanist Benjamin Smith Barton. Barton, a veritable fountain of botanical knowledge, became Meriwether's mentor, imparting the intricacies of the natural world. Meriwether, a novice in the realm of plants and natural history, was eager to absorb as much as possible to maximize his discoveries. Under Barton's tutelage, Meriwether immersed himself in the intricacies of the natural world, his mind absorbing the delicate nuances of flora and fauna.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Meriwether made another wise investment. For twenty dollars (half a month's pay for an Army captain), Meriwether acquired a magnificent Newfoundland dog named Seaman. A loyal companion, Seaman proved invaluable on the arduous expedition, a steadfast friend amidst the untamed wilderness. Seaman's keen senses and unwavering loyalty would serve as a constant source of comfort and companionship throughout their perilous journey.
Seaman survived the expedition and spent the rest of his days with Meriwether in St. Louis. When Meriwether tragically committed suicide, Seaman reportedly refused to eat. In a poignant display of canine devotion, he is said to have laid down on Meriwether's grave and died of a broken heart.
As we reflect on this pivotal moment in American history, we're reminded of the intricate connections between human ambition, scientific discovery, and the natural world. The Louisiana Purchase opened up a vast new frontier not just for political expansion but for botanical exploration. Lewis and Clark's expedition, guided by Barton's expertise and accompanied by the loyal Seaman, would go on to document hundreds of new plant species, forever changing our understanding of North American flora.
Today, as we tend our gardens or explore our local parks, let's take a moment to appreciate the botanical pioneers who came before us. Their curiosity, courage, and commitment to understanding the natural world have enriched our lives in countless ways.
And let's not forget the faithful companions, like Seaman, who stand by us through thick and thin, sharing in our adventures and our sorrows alike.
