The Commissioning of the Expedition

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 106 views

The Epic Journey of Lewis and Clark: Unveiling the Truth Behind Their Historic Expedition

The journey of Lewis and Clark is one of the most iconic and enduring stories in American history. The expedition, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1803 to explore the western territories of the United States. The duo's bravery, determination, and curiosity paved the way for the country's westward expansion and left an indelible mark on the nation's psyche. But when did this extraordinary journey begin?

The Commissioning of the Expedition

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson, who was a strong advocate for westward expansion, commissioned Meriwether Lewis to lead an expedition to explore the western territories of the United States. Lewis, who was a skilled hunter, soldier, and mapmaker, was tasked with finding a water route to the Pacific Ocean and establishing trade relationships with Native American tribes. The expedition was also designed to gather scientific data, including information on the region's geology, botany, and wildlife.

The Selection of the Crew

Lewis chose William Clark, a fellow soldier and friend, to join him on the expedition. Clark was an experienced mapmaker and navigator, and his skills were essential to the success of the journey. The duo also selected a diverse group of men to join the expedition, including:

Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman who served as a guide and interpreter
Toussaint Charbonneau, Sacagawea's husband, who was also a guide and interpreter
George Drouillard, a French-Canadian hunter and interpreter
Patrick Gass, a blacksmith and carpenter
John Ordway, a soldier and clerk

The Journey Begins

So, when did the journey of Lewis and Clark begin? The correct answer is May 14, 1804. On this day, the expedition set out from St. Louis, Missouri, with a keelboat and two pirogues, which were small, flat-bottomed boats. The crew traveled up the Missouri River, navigating through treacherous waters and encountering various Native American tribes along the way.

The Expedition's Route

The Lewis and Clark expedition followed the Missouri River westward, passing through present-day Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. The crew encountered numerous challenges, including:

Rapids and waterfalls: The expedition had to navigate through treacherous rapids and waterfalls, which required great skill and bravery.
Native American tribes: The crew encountered various Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Shoshone. While some tribes were friendly, others were hostile, and the expedition had to use diplomacy and gifts to maintain peace.
Harsh weather: The crew faced extreme weather conditions, including blistering heat, freezing cold, and torrential rain.

The Expedition's Discoveries

Despite the challenges they faced, the Lewis and Clark expedition made numerous significant discoveries, including:

The Continental Divide: The expedition was the first to cross the Continental Divide, which marked the boundary between the Missouri River drainage basin and the Columbia River drainage basin.
The Columbia River: The crew was the first to see the Columbia River, which they believed was the Pacific Ocean.
New plant and animal species: The expedition discovered numerous new plant and animal species, including the prairie dog, the grizzly bear, and the western meadowlark.

The journey of Lewis and Clark began on May 14, 1804, when the expedition set out from St. Louis, Missouri. Over the next two and a half years, the crew traveled over 7,000 miles, facing numerous challenges and making significant discoveries along the way. The expedition's bravery, determination, and curiosity paved the way for the country's westward expansion and left an indelible mark on the nation's psyche.

Timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

May 14, 1804: The expedition sets out from St. Louis, Missouri
August 1804: The crew reaches the Mandan village in present-day North Dakota
April 1805: The expedition sets out from the Mandan village, following the Missouri River westward
November 1805: The crew reaches the Columbia River, which they believe is the Pacific Ocean
March 1806: The expedition begins its return journey, following the same route as they traveled westward
September 1806: The crew returns to St. Louis, Missouri, marking the end of the expedition

Key Takeaways

The Lewis and Clark expedition was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1803 to explore the western territories of the United States.
The expedition was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who were joined by a diverse group of men, including Sacagawea and Toussaint Charbonneau.
The journey began on May 14, 1804, and lasted for two and a half years, covering over 7,000 miles.
The expedition made numerous significant discoveries, including the Continental Divide, the Columbia River, and new plant and animal species.
Lewis and Clark: A Journey of Discovery - Q&A

The Lewis and Clark expedition was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the beginning of the country's westward expansion. The journey, which lasted for two and a half years, was filled with challenges, discoveries, and moments of triumph. In this Q&A article, we'll delve into the details of the expedition, answering some of the most frequently asked questions about this iconic journey.

Q: Who was Meriwether Lewis, and what was his role in the expedition?

A: Meriwether Lewis was a skilled hunter, soldier, and mapmaker who was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to lead the Lewis and Clark expedition. He was tasked with finding a water route to the Pacific Ocean and establishing trade relationships with Native American tribes.

Q: Who was William Clark, and what was his role in the expedition?

A: William Clark was a fellow soldier and friend of Meriwether Lewis who joined him on the expedition. Clark was an experienced mapmaker and navigator, and his skills were essential to the success of the journey.

Q: What was the purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

A: The Lewis and Clark expedition was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the western territories of the United States, find a water route to the Pacific Ocean, and establish trade relationships with Native American tribes.

Q: Who were some of the key members of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

A: Some of the key members of the Lewis and Clark expedition included:

Sacagawea: A Shoshone woman who served as a guide and interpreter
Toussaint Charbonneau: Sacagawea's husband, who was also a guide and interpreter
George Drouillard: A French-Canadian hunter and interpreter
Patrick Gass: A blacksmith and carpenter
John Ordway: A soldier and clerk

Q: What were some of the challenges faced by the Lewis and Clark expedition?

A: The Lewis and Clark expedition faced numerous challenges, including:

Rapids and waterfalls: The expedition had to navigate through treacherous rapids and waterfalls, which required great skill and bravery.
Native American tribes: The crew encountered various Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Shoshone. While some tribes were friendly, others were hostile, and the expedition had to use diplomacy and gifts to maintain peace.
Harsh weather: The crew faced extreme weather conditions, including blistering heat, freezing cold, and torrential rain.

Q: What were some of the significant discoveries made by the Lewis and Clark expedition?

A: The Lewis and Clark expedition made numerous significant discoveries, including:

The Continental Divide: The expedition was the first to cross the Continental Divide, which marked the boundary between the Missouri River drainage basin and the Columbia River drainage basin.
The Columbia River: The crew was the first to see the Columbia River, which they believed was the Pacific Ocean.
New plant and animal species: The expedition discovered numerous new plant and animal species, including the prairie dog, the grizzly bear, and the western meadowlark.

Q: How long did the Lewis and Clark expedition last?

A: The Lewis and Clark expedition lasted for two and a half years, from May 14, 1804, to September 23, 1806.

Q: What was the significance of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

A: The Lewis and Clark expedition was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the beginning of the country's westward expansion. The journey paved the way for the country's growth and development, and its discoveries and achievements continue to inspire and fascinate people to this day.

Q: What can we learn from the Lewis and Clark expedition?

A: The Lewis and Clark expedition teaches us the importance of:

Perseverance and determination: The crew faced numerous challenges, but they persevered and remained determined to complete their mission.
Diplomacy and cooperation: The expedition relied on diplomacy and cooperation with Native American tribes to maintain peace and achieve their goals.
Curiosity and exploration: The Lewis and Clark expedition was driven by a sense of curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown, which led to numerous significant discoveries.

The Lewis and Clark expedition was a remarkable journey that marked the beginning of the country's westward expansion. The crew's bravery, determination, and curiosity paved the way for the country's growth and development, and their discoveries and achievements continue to inspire and fascinate people to this day.