Characteristics Of The Lewis And Clark Expedition

In 1803, president Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana territory from France. After the Louisiana Purchase was made, Jefferson initiated an exploration of the newly claimed lands and the territory beyond the mountains we know today as the Rockies. He hoped to establish trade with the Native Americans and find a water route to the Pacific. Jefferson was also fascinated by the prospect of what could be learned about the geography of the West, the culture of the Native Americans, their environment, and how it differed from that of the East. To lead his expedition, Jefferson chose his secretary, Meriwether Lewis. To Thomas Jefferson, Lewis was a very intelligent man who endowed qualities of a frontiersman. He believed that these characteristics would prove useful on his journey west. To join him on his quest, Meriwether chose William Clark who had even stronger abilities as a frontiersman and draftsman. Lewis had such a respect for Clark, he appointed him co-commanding captain of the

The Lewis and Clark Expedition spanned 8,000 miles over the course of three years, taking the Corps of Discovery, as the expedition party was known, down the Ohio River, up the Missouri River, across the Continental Divide, and to the Pacific Ocean. Throughout this expedition, Lewis, Clark, and the Corps of Discovery faced nearly every obstacle able to be imagined. They braved dangerous waters, fatigue, hunger, disease, and severe weather conditions. Along the way, Lewis kept a detailed diary of everything they encountered from different plants to animals. Clark also drew detailed maps of their surroundings along the entire exploration. The expedition received assistance in their mission from many of the Indians they met during their journey