Lewis & Clark Meriwether Lewis was an American explorer, who with William Clark led the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the uncharted American interior to the Pacific Northwest in 1804–06. He later served as governor of Upper Louisiana Territory. The Lewis and Clark Expedition spanned 8,000 mi (13,000 km) and 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. Lewis served as the field scientist, chronicling botanical, zoological, meteorological, geographic and ethnographic information. Lewis helped to quell the Whiskey Rebellion, a Pennsylvania uprising led by farmers against taxes, in 1794. The next year …show more content…
Louis, Missouri in May 1804 we faced every hardship you can think of. We braved dangerous weather, water, endured hunger, and many injuries. Along the way, I kept a journal of everything we did and I collected samples of plants and animals I found. We received assistance in our mission by the native people we met during our journey westward. Along the way, we picked up two new members Sacagawea and Touissant Charbonneau. They were interpreters for us on the expedition. I wrote: Sunday, May 13, 1804 "I despatched an express this morning to Capt. Lewis at St. Louis, all our provisions Goods and equipage on Board of a Boat of 22 oars (Party), a large Perogue of 71 oares (in which 8 French) a Second Perogue of 6 oars, (Soldiers) Complete with Sails etc. etc. Men compd. with Powder Cartragies and 100 Balls each, all in health and readiness to set out. Boats and everything Complete, with the necessary stores of provisions & such articles of merchandize as we thought ourselves authorised to procure - tho' not as much as I think nessy. for the multitude of Inds. thro which we must pass on our road across the …show more content…
We built fort Clatsop and spent the winter in present-day Oregon. On the way back in 1806, Clark and I split up to explore more territory and look for faster route home. My men and I faced great danger when a group of Blackfeet Indians sought to steal from the corps in late July. Two Blackfeet were killed in the ensuing conflict. The next month, I was shot in the thigh by one of my own men during a hunt. Clark and I joined up again at the Missouri River and made the rest of the trip to St. Louis together. In total, the expedition traveled roughly 8,000 miles by boat, on foot, and on