Teacher Notes 
Section III - The Journey

Teacher’s Notes on Jefferson Peace Medals -

One goal of the Lewis and Clark expedition was to gain the respect and friendship of the Native American tribes they encountered.  When the explorers met with the leaders of a large Indian tribe, there was usually a big ceremony lasting several hours.  The gatherings often included speeches, a feast, and an exchange of gifts.  If the chiefs would agree to live in peace with other Native American tribes and pledge their loyalty to President Jefferson, Lewis and Clark would present them each with a Jefferson peace medal a symbol of their agreement.

The Jefferson peace medal features an image of Jefferson on one side with his name and the date of his inauguration.  The reverse side pictures two hands clasped in friendship and a tomahawk crossed with a peace pipe with the words “PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP”.  The handshake shows one military cuff and one wrist adorned with an ornate Indian bracelet to signify the agreement between the U.S. government and the Indian leader.

The Jefferson peace medal was designed and engraved by John Reich.  They were made of silver in three sizes ranging from two to four inches in diameter.  The use of peace medals started during George Washington’s administration and continued until the 1880s.  Initially, the peace medals were made by hand.  In later years they were made by the U.S. Mint.