- Term
Lewis and Clark expedition
- Broader Term
Events
- Date
1804-1806
- Remarks
The young republic of the United States acquired a third of its current territory in 1803 with the Louisiana Purchase. President Thomas Jefferson sent explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead the Corps of Discovery into the new possession. They were instructed to find trade routes to the Pacific and to prepare the way for the expansion of American fur trade. Along the way, they met many French Canadian traders and their families. Toussaint Charbonneau and his Shoshone wife Sacagawea decided to accompany the expedition. Her knowledge of Western lands and people ensured the success of the party. In exchange, she hoped the increased trade would benefit her family. As a result of this federally-funded trip, knowledge of the land and people of the far West spread rapidly in the United States.
- See Also