The Lewis and Clark Expedition

Terms to Know Expedition – long voyage or exploration. Geography – the study of people, their environments, and their resources. Continental Divide – mountain ridge that separates river systems flowing toward opposite sides of a continent.

Planning an Expedition 1803 – Congress funds a team of explorers to study new territory, also known as the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson chose Meriwether Lewis, his private secretary, to head the expedition. Lewis ask William Clark to go with him.

Dog Gone It! Purchased by Captain Lewis in August of 1803 for $20 — quite a large sum of money at the time. Lewis and Clark both make mention of the Newfoundland throughout their journals, writing of his hunting skills and praising him for his guarding abilities (especially against grizzly bears).

Planning an Expedition Jefferson instructs the two men to: Map a route to the Pacific Ocean. Study the geography of the territory. Learn about Indian nations that lived in the area (these Indians traded with English, French, & Spanish & Jefferson hoped they would trade with America instead). Urged Lewis & Clark to tell Indians we would be friendly and useful to them.

The Lewis & Clark Expedition Many adventurous young men eagerly competed to join the expedition, but in the end 50 men were chosen to make up the “Corps of Discovery”. Men were chosen on the basis of their: Character Strength Hunting skills Survival ability

Across the Plains In 1804, Lewis & Clark started up the Missouri River from St. Louis in wooden canoes. Lewis & Clark were amazed by the grassy plains that stretched “as far as the eye could see”. Everywhere they saw herds of buffalo, deer, elk and antelope.

We Come in Peace Lewis & Clark brought many gifts for the Native Americans including peace medals. These medals were given as gifts to Indian Chiefs, who later used them as "passports" when they visited Washington D.C.

Encountering Native Americans While crossing the plains, the expedition met various Native Americans. The most significant of these was a young woman named Sacagawea. Sacagawea traveled as the group’s translator and gave peace medals to other tribes.

Sacagawea Sacagawea proved invaluable to the expedition. Relied on her for medical help. Presence of her baby showed Indians that the party was friendly. Received gift of horses from her people.

Over the Rockies In the spring, the party set out to the Rocky Mountains. Met up with Shoshones which was the tribe of Sacagawea. They were given food & horses & advised of best route over the Rockies. In the Rocky Mountains, Lewis & Clark crossed the Continental Divide.

To the Pacific Finally, the great journey came to an end when the expedition came to the Pacific Ocean on November 7, 1805. The return trip home took another year. In 1806, Americans celebrated the return of Lewis & Clark.

REVIEW Planning an Expedition Jefferson’s instructions Corps of Discovery Across the Plains Sacagawea Over the Rockies To the Pacific