The History of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

On February 28, 1803, the Congress appropriated funds for a small U.S. Army unit to explore the Missouri and Columbia rivers and tell the western Indian tribes that traders would soon come to buy their furs. The explorers were to make a detailed report on western geography, climate, plants and animals, and to study the customs and languages of the Indians. Plans for the expedition were almost complete when the President learned that France offered to sell all of Louisiana Territory to the United States. This transfer, which was completed within a year, doubled the area of the United States. It meant that Jefferson's Army expedition could travel all the way to the crest of the Rockies on American soil, no longer needing permission from the former French owners.

- Text by Irving W. Anderson, Past President

Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Inc.

Recommended websites for further L&C; historical information:

PBS L&C; Web Site
http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/

The National Museum of Natural History's Virtual L&C; Exhibit
http://www.edgate.com/lewisandclark/

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial L&C; Education Resources
http://www.nps.gov/jeff/LewisClark2/Education/Education.htm

The Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Online
http://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/

The National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Exhibition
http://www.lewisandclarkexhibit.org/