The negative cost of Lewis and Clark entering the Garden of Eden is that later expeditions regardless of what they were intended to do, later expeditions did not deal with the native peoples with the intelligence with the almost kindly resolve that Lewis and Clark did.

In this quote, William Least Heat-Moon reflects on the impact of Lewis and Clark's historic expedition and the subsequent treatment of Native peoples by later explorers. He notes that the negative cost of Lewis and Clark’s entry into the Garden of Eden—a metaphorical reference to their exploration of the American wilderness—was the eventual shift in how explorers interacted with Indigenous communities. While Lewis and Clark are praised for their relatively respectful and intelligent approach to dealing with Native peoples, later expeditions did not exhibit the same level of kindly resolve or understanding.

Heat-Moon contrasts the conduct of Lewis and Clark with the attitudes of later explorers, emphasizing that those who followed did not show the same degree of respect or diplomacy towards Native populations. The quote suggests that, despite the complexities and challenges of their mission, Lewis and Clark’s treatment of Indigenous peoples was marked by a certain consideration, which was unfortunately lost as exploration continued. This change in approach reflects broader historical patterns of colonial expansion and the often exploitative attitudes toward Native communities.

The origin of this quote lies in Heat-Moon’s reflection on American history and the legacy of exploration, particularly as it pertains to Native American history. As a writer known for his works on travel and history, including Blue Highways, Heat-Moon often explores themes of cultural interactions and the evolving relationship between settlers and Indigenous peoples. This quote illustrates his awareness of the nuanced dynamics between early explorers and Native populations, focusing on the contrasting approaches that shaped the history of the United States.

Ultimately, Heat-Moon’s quote serves as a critique of how the initial respectful engagement between Lewis and Clark and Native peoples was overshadowed by the negative consequences of later expeditions. It highlights the importance of treating Native peoples with understanding and respect, and it reflects on the loss of that approach as the story of exploration unfolded in America.