Lewis And Clark Expedition Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Lewis And Clark Expedition?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition remains one of the most iconic exploration efforts in American history. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the team set out from St. Louis in May of 1804 on a mission to explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. Their journey took them through some of the most rugged terrain in North America, including the Rocky Mountains, before they reached what is now Oregon and followed the Columbia River all the way to its mouth at Pacific Ocean. Through their travels across more than 8,000 miles over two years, they encountered many Native American tribes and noted numerous species of plants and animals that were previously unknown to science. The expedition was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson with instructions to map out territory acquired through the Louisiana Purchase as well as locate potential trading partners and study natural resources in those areas. The two men had served together in the military prior to this mission and were chosen because of their strong leadership abilities as well as their knowledge of wilderness survival. They were also aided by a small group of soldiers and guides who joined them along parts of their journey. Lewis and Clark’s expedition provided valuable information about Native American cultures, geography, climate, flora, fauna, hydrology and geology throughout much of western North America at a time when Europeans had only just begun settling there. They even established diplomatic relations with some Native Americans during their travels which helped reduce tension between settlers arriving later on down the line. The journals kept by Lewis and Clark during this period are an invaluable resource for historians who are still piecing together details about this dynamic period in American history today.