Sights to See: The Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Lewis and Clark expedition began in 1803 when President Thomas Jefferson asked congress to support a scientific exploration to explore the Louisiana territory. The exploration was led by Jefferson's private secretary, Meriwether Lewis, and an army officer named William Clark. The two explorers and their Corps of Discovery, or the team of soldiers, civilian woodsmen, boatmen, and interpreters, left on May 14, 1804 to travel up the Missouri River. By the end of October, they reached an area close to the current US-Canadian border in North Dakota where they met the Mandan Indians. The Americans and the Indians traded goods and celebrated with each other.
The Indians proved to be very helpful to Lewis and Clark, but the French trapper, Toussaint Charbonneau, and his partner, Sacagawea, were critical to the corps' success. Sacagawea acted as a guide and a translator for the Americans. The explorers journeyed to the Rocky Mountains and almost died of starvation. They ended up in what is now Idaho, where they met some more friendly Indians who gave them food and taught them how to make canoes. On November 24th, 1805, the Americans left the Indians and journeyed to the Pacific Ocean. They built a fort in present-day Oregon, where they stayed for the winter before traveling home. The finally reached Saint Louis on September 23, 1806, bringing with them all of the information they had gathered on the journey.
The Indians proved to be very helpful to Lewis and Clark, but the French trapper, Toussaint Charbonneau, and his partner, Sacagawea, were critical to the corps' success. Sacagawea acted as a guide and a translator for the Americans. The explorers journeyed to the Rocky Mountains and almost died of starvation. They ended up in what is now Idaho, where they met some more friendly Indians who gave them food and taught them how to make canoes. On November 24th, 1805, the Americans left the Indians and journeyed to the Pacific Ocean. They built a fort in present-day Oregon, where they stayed for the winter before traveling home. The finally reached Saint Louis on September 23, 1806, bringing with them all of the information they had gathered on the journey.
Map
The red line shows the route that Lewis and Clark took on their expedition.
Traveler Reviews
Meriwether Lewis
September 24th, 1806,
I never would have thought that I would be chosen for an adventure such as this. When Thomas asked me, his personal secretary, to set off on an exploration, I was flabbergasted. I knew the journey would be long and hard, but at least I had company. I was joined by an army officer named William Clark and our Corps of Discovery. We left with a mission: to explore the Louisiana territory in all of its glory and to study the people, animals, and plants.
Our journey was a long one, but we had help along the way. We met the Mandan Indians who welcomed us, much to our surprise. We also met a French trapper named Toussaint Charbonneau and his Shoshone partner, Sacagawea. They proved to be great allies and Sacagawea not only translated for us, but she also guided us. On our journey across the Rocky Mountains, we met the Nez Perce Indians, who saved us from starvation. Their leader, Twisted Hair drew a map of the river systems and showed us how to build canoes. We used this knowledge to reach the Pacific Ocean and eventually, we built a fort for the winter. On March 23, we began our journey home. We reached Saint Louis yesterday, which brings my journey to an end.
Looking back, I am glad that Thomas chose me for this journey. I learned quite a lot and I was able to meet many new people. I believe that all of the information that my colleagues and I gathered will prove to be very important. Alas, I must go. I am still fatigued from the long journey home.
I never would have thought that I would be chosen for an adventure such as this. When Thomas asked me, his personal secretary, to set off on an exploration, I was flabbergasted. I knew the journey would be long and hard, but at least I had company. I was joined by an army officer named William Clark and our Corps of Discovery. We left with a mission: to explore the Louisiana territory in all of its glory and to study the people, animals, and plants.
Our journey was a long one, but we had help along the way. We met the Mandan Indians who welcomed us, much to our surprise. We also met a French trapper named Toussaint Charbonneau and his Shoshone partner, Sacagawea. They proved to be great allies and Sacagawea not only translated for us, but she also guided us. On our journey across the Rocky Mountains, we met the Nez Perce Indians, who saved us from starvation. Their leader, Twisted Hair drew a map of the river systems and showed us how to build canoes. We used this knowledge to reach the Pacific Ocean and eventually, we built a fort for the winter. On March 23, we began our journey home. We reached Saint Louis yesterday, which brings my journey to an end.
Looking back, I am glad that Thomas chose me for this journey. I learned quite a lot and I was able to meet many new people. I believe that all of the information that my colleagues and I gathered will prove to be very important. Alas, I must go. I am still fatigued from the long journey home.
Sacagawea
November 20th, 1804,
The white men have been here since October. They are led by Louis and Clark, who are both very civil. It is going to be a long winter, but my people and the Americans seem to be getting along fairly well. We have traded goods back and forth and we have celebrated together. My partner, Toussaint Charbonneau, has suggested that I offer them my translating and guiding services. I will do the best I can with my baby strapped to my back. I hope this will be the beginning of a long peace between my people and the white men.
The white men have been here since October. They are led by Louis and Clark, who are both very civil. It is going to be a long winter, but my people and the Americans seem to be getting along fairly well. We have traded goods back and forth and we have celebrated together. My partner, Toussaint Charbonneau, has suggested that I offer them my translating and guiding services. I will do the best I can with my baby strapped to my back. I hope this will be the beginning of a long peace between my people and the white men.
Photographs
Why Should You Visit?
The Lewis and Clark expedition was a significant part of American history. These two explorers and their Corps of Discovery explored the area obtained from the Louisiana Purchase. Their knowledge about the land, animals, plants, and the people who lived in the area was a great contribution to America during the Westward Expansion, which is why you should definitely come visit this historical site!