On July 4th, 2004, NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey dedicated the Corps of Discovery II commemorative marker at the Independence Creek Encampment “Clark Remembers the Fourth” Ceremony. It was held near the spot where Lewis & Clark celebrated the first Independence Day in the American West 200 years ago, with a gill of whiskey and by firing a cannon.

Monroe Rivers, the NGS State Advisor for Kansas, gave the marker dedication speech. Also speaking at the ceremony was Ladd Seaberg, chair of the Independence Creek Hiking/Biking Trail Committee, and a re-enactor portraying Captain William Clark read excerpts from the journals of Lewis & Clark when they were in this area. Attendance at the ceremony was estimated to be between 1500 to 2000.

Special thanks go to Ladd and Karen Seaberg (Chairwoman of the Kansas Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission) for their efforts in getting the monument set and for helping make the Atchison Lewis & Clark Events a huge success.