German Ambassador Visits ND
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| Retha Colclasure |
| 9/9/2009 |
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| The western part of the United States has attracted visitors and explorers for hundreds of years. Here in North Dakota, reminders of the Lewis and Clark expedition dot the landscape. But for many Europeans, the state is know for another expedition that followed 25 years later. Prince Maximilian followed in Lewis and Clark`s footsteps from 1832 to 1834. Now, 175 years later, the German Ambassador to the United States is here to see what life was like for him. These books, along with trade items, tools, and thousands of pounds of gear accompanied Lewis and Clark on their legendary journey more than 200 years ago. "Many years ago, I heard about Lewis and Clark and that was fascinating to find out more about," says German Ambassador Dr. Klaus Scharioth. While the German Ambassador to the US is interested in the American history of the expedition, he also came to North Dakota to learn about another explorer and painter who followed in Lewis and Clark`s footsteps. "I especially want to know about Maximilian and Karl Bodmer, very famous in Germany," says Scharioth. "We are especially fascinated by their account of the Native Americans." The president of the Fort Mandan Foundation says he was excited to bring the Ambassador to Washburn, where they could show him the new Maximilian exhibit. "It just picks up where Lewis and Clark left off,` says David Borlaug, of the Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation. Visitors like the Ambassador can enjoy this exhibit. "What a wonderful story we have to tell here in North Dakota, along the Missouri River, on the prairie," says Borlaug. "It attracted Germans 175 years ago. It`s attracting Germans, Czechoslovakians, and other tourists every day" Just as many North Dakotans feel connected to Lewis and Clark, many Germans feel connected to Maximilian. That`s why the German Ambassador says this trip was a necessity. Klaus- "I always wanted to learn more about it and so I`m very pleased that I could be here at the interpretive center, and I think it`s really a great [exhibit]," Scharioth says. He says before this trip, he knew the basics of Maximilian`s journey, but now, he says, he knows much more of the details. This is the Ambassador`s first time in North Dakota. He says he`d like to visit all 50 states someday. The Maximilian exhibit will be on display at the Interpretive Center in Washburn through the end of the year. |
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