For $20—quite a sum of money in those days— Meriwether Lewis purchased Seaman, “a dogg of the newfoundland breed.” Seaman provided constant companionship and entertainment for the crew throughout the 4,000-mile journey to the Pacific Ocean. He caught squirrels, retrieved game and guarded the camp against animal intruders at night.

Though he was Lewis's dog, he belonged more to everyone, and is referred to in at least one journal account as “Our dog.”

Clark's Lookout State Park (Click for a larger image)

In the spring of 1805, a wounded beaver bit Seaman on the leg. The bite severed an artery, and Lewis wrote, “It was with great difficulty that I could stop the blood; I fear it will yet prove fatal to him.” Seaman did eventually recover.

Seaman impressed the Indians who lived along the Columbia River. One Indian offered Lewis three beaver pelts for the dog. Of course, Lewis declined. Another Indian was met with a beating when he attempted to steal Seaman.

Outside present-day Missoula in Montana, Lewis named a creek after Seaman. Today, the creek is known as Monture Creek.