Expedition of 1804-1806

The Expedition of 1804-1806, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, was a pioneering scientific and exploratory journey commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson. It aimed to map the uncharted western territories of the United States, establish American presence, and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. Traveling from Missouri to the Pacific Northwest, they documented new plants, animals, and peoples, and encountered diverse landscapes and cultures. The expedition significantly expanded knowledge of North America’s interior and helped open the West for future settlers and explorers.