On the Trail With Lewis and Clark

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The Mission to Explore the West

Why Explore the Land?

In 1803, the United States doubled in size by purchasing the Louisiana Territory from France. But there was a big problem—no one really knew what the U.S. had just bought!

Before people could move in and build homes, someone had to explore and document the land.

President Jefferson wanted more than just a tour of the area. He gave the explorers a big job.

Build friendly relationships with Native American tribes.

Study and record new plants, animals, and landforms.

Find a water route across North America (called the Northwest Passage).

Meet Lewis and Clark

Jefferson chose Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead the journey.

In May 1804, they left St. Louis with a team of about 30 people called the Corps of Discovery. They mostly traveled by river and stopped often to take notes, sketch maps, and study the land.

Challenges on the Trail

Traveling through unknown land was risky. There were no accurate maps, and they had to rely on old-school tools like compasses and sextants.

They faced freezing winters, dangerous rivers, illnesses, and rough terrain.

The team also got help from Native American tribes along the way, including Sacagawea, a young Shoshone woman who acted as a guide and translator.

She helped the group communicate with other tribes and showed them safer routes through the mountains. Her presence also helped show that the group came in peace.

Destination: The Pacific!

After more than a year and a half, the team reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. They built Fort Clatsop in present-day Oregon and stayed through the winter. Then they turned around and headed home.

In September 1806—over two years after they started—they arrived back in St. Louis with exciting news.

What Did They Discover?

Lewis and Clark didn’t find the Northwest Passage, but they did accomplish a lot.

They made friendly contact with many Native American groups.

They recorded over 100 new animals and 170 new plants.

They created more than 140 maps.

President Jefferson was so impressed that he gave them both money and land as a thank you gift.

Thanks to Lewis, Clark, and the help of people like Sacagawea, the United States learned a lot about its new territory.

Now, it’s your turn to explore what you’ve learned. Head to the Got It? section to test your knowledge and take the next step on this adventure!