The Lewis and Clark Expedition

In 1804 President Thomas Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the unknown territory that lay between North America's settled eastern states and territories and the Pacific Ocean. They were tasked with figuring out how to cross the continent, chart new trade routes, and gather information about the land, plants, animals, and Native people they would encounter.

The Corps of Discovery began preparing for their expedition in the spring of 1804, and in October Meriwether Lewis left his home in Virginia to head west. His goals were to gather as much scientific knowledge as possible about the landscape and its inhabitants, and to establish peaceful relationships with Indian tribes he might encounter along the way.

He also hoped that the exploration would provide an opportunity for Americans to see what they were missing in terms of natural resources and cultural diversity. As the leader of the expedition, he also wanted to promote the United States's sovereignty over the lands that they explored.

When Lewis and Clark began their journey, little was known about the vast plains that lay between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean. They had a best guess about how to make their journey, but nothing that could be used as a roadmap.

They traveled across the country by horse and foot, following what was thought to be the only safe route from St. Louis, Missouri, to the Pacific Coast via the Mississippi. They were accompanied by a small group of volunteers, called the Corps of Discovery.

Their objective was to reach the Pacific Ocean and re-establish trade with Native peoples in the region. They would also record any natural resources or plant and animal species they came across, in addition to ensuring that they had a map of the entire continent that was accurate enough to help them with their journey back.

The expedition was successful on both counts, reaching the Pacific Ocean in November of 1804 and returning to Saint Louis, Missouri, six months later. In the process, they mapped a great deal of the territory they had crossed, and they made a positive impression on the Native peoples they encountered.

Upon arrival at the Pacific Ocean, Lewis and Clark built Fort Clatsop on the south side of the Columbia River to serve as their winter base. Then, with the aid of native tribes, they compiled their extensive journals, which became widely read and greatly contributed to the formation of the modern Western world.

In the end, their trip was a success, and many of the maps they created are still used today. As a result, the Lewis and Clark expedition has been referred to as one of the greatest historical achievements of all time.

They traveled for a total of over 1,800 miles and spent almost a year on the road, completing their trip in late March of 1806. On that journey, they gathered a wealth of knowledge about the American West and the native peoples who lived there. They made a positive impression on the natives, and they established new trade routes that opened up a whole new world of possibilities for commerce and exploration. The expedition is a significant part of American history, and it continues to inspire and excite the imagination of those who follow its lessons.