In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set off on an expedition to explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. For two years, they traveled through the wild and untamed land, discovering new places and making contact with Native American tribes. Along the way, they faced numerous hardships, including difficult terrain, bad weather, and illnesses. By the time they reached their destination in the Pacific Northwest, Lewis and Clark had gone through 11 states and territories, becoming the first people to traverse the continent from east to west.
The Beginning of the Expedition
Lewis and Clark began their expedition in Pennsylvania on May 14, 1804. From there, they traveled down the Ohio River to the Mississippi River and then up the Missouri River. They passed through the future states of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas.
The Louisiana Territory
The Louisiana Territory, which was purchased from France in 1803, was the main focus of the expedition. Lewis and Clark traveled through the future states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Nebraska before reaching the North Dakota border. Along the way, they made contact with several Native American tribes, including the Osage, Quapaw, and Arikara.
The Pacific Northwest
After reaching the continental divide, Lewis and Clark crossed into Montana and then traveled through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. They finally reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805 and spent the winter near the mouth of the Columbia River. In the spring, they began their return trip to St. Louis, Missouri, arriving in September 1806.
The Legacy of Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark’s expedition was a remarkable achievement. Not only did they map out the Louisiana Territory, but they also encountered numerous Native American tribes and made contact with them. Their journey laid the foundation for the westward expansion of the United States and left an indelible mark on American history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states did Lewis and Clark go through?
Lewis and Clark went through 11 states and territories during their expedition. They passed through Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
How long did the Lewis and Clark expedition last?
The Lewis and Clark expedition lasted two years. They began their journey in May 1804 and arrived at their destination in the Pacific Northwest in November 1805. They returned to St. Louis in September 1806.
What was the purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?
The main goal of the Lewis and Clark expedition was to explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. They were also tasked with making contact with Native American tribes and mapping out the land.
How many Native American tribes did Lewis and Clark meet?
Lewis and Clark encountered several Native American tribes during their expedition. They made contact with the Osage, Quapaw, Arikara, Hidatsa, Shoshone, Nez Perce, Chinook, and Clatsop tribes.
What difficulties did Lewis and Clark face during their expedition?
Lewis and Clark faced numerous difficulties during their expedition. They encountered difficult terrain, bad weather, illnesses, and hostile Native American tribes. They also suffered from poor nutrition, lack of supplies, and exhaustion.
What was the outcome of the Lewis and Clark expedition?
The Lewis and Clark expedition was a great success. They successfully mapped out the Louisiana Territory and made contact with numerous Native American tribes. Their journey also laid the foundation for the westward expansion of the United States.
What happened to Lewis and Clark after their expedition?
After their expedition, Lewis and Clark both returned to St. Louis. Lewis later became the governor of the Louisiana Territory and was appointed by President Thomas Jefferson as the principal negotiator for the 1808 treaty with the Osage tribe. Clark went on to become a colonel in the U.S. Army and served as the governor of Missouri Territory. He later served as a commissioner for Indian Affairs.
Who was the leader of the Lewis and Clark expedition?
The leader of the Lewis and Clark expedition was Meriwether Lewis. He was appointed by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. William Clark served as his co-commander.
What did Lewis and Clark bring back from their expedition?
Lewis and Clark brought back numerous specimens and artifacts from their expedition. These included plants and animals, Native American artifacts, and maps of the Louisiana Territory.
What did Lewis and Clark name the Pacific Ocean?
When Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean, they named it the "Southern Ocean". This name was later changed to the Pacific Ocean by President Thomas Jefferson.
Did Lewis and Clark ever make it back to St. Louis?
Yes, Lewis and Clark made it back to St. Louis in September 1806. They had been gone for two years, covering over 8,000 miles on their journey.
What were the accomplishments of the Lewis and Clark expedition?
The Lewis and Clark expedition was a great success. They mapped out the Louisiana Territory, made contact with numerous Native American tribes, and laid the foundation for the westward expansion of the United States. Their journey also provided valuable information about the land and its inhabitants.
What Native American tribes did Lewis and Clark encounter?
Lewis and Clark encountered several Native American tribes during their expedition. These included the Osage, Quapaw, Arikara, Hidatsa, Shoshone, Nez Perce, Chinook, and Clatsop tribes.
What did Lewis and Clark find during their expedition?
During their expedition, Lewis and Clark found numerous plants and animals, artifacts from Native American tribes, and maps of the Louisiana Territory. They also encountered numerous Native American tribes and made contact with them.
What did Lewis and Clark bring back from their expedition?
Lewis and Clark brought back numerous specimens and artifacts from their expedition. These included plants and animals, Native American artifacts, and maps of the Louisiana Territory.
How did Lewis and Clark make it back to St. Louis?
Lewis and Clark made their return trip to St. Louis by following the Missouri River. They began their journey in April 1806 and arrived back in St. Louis in September 1806.
What happened to Lewis and Clark after they returned to St. Louis?
After their expedition, Lewis and Clark both returned to St. Louis. Lewis later became the governor of the Louisiana Territory and was appointed by President Thomas Jefferson as the principal negotiator for the 1808 treaty with the Osage tribe. Clark went on to become a colonel in the U.S. Army and served as the governor of Missouri Territory. He later served as a commissioner for Indian Affairs.