Exploring the Western Territories

Now that the United States had this vast new area under its control, Jefferson wanted to learn more about what was out there. He selected his secretary, Meriwether Lewis, who had a scientific interest, to lead an expedition into the Louisiana Territory. Lewis and his associate, William Clark, set out from St. Louis in May 1804, with a party of fifty. Traveling up the Missouri River and across the Rocky Mountains, the expedition reached the Pacific Coast a year and a half later.

To prepare for the journey, Lewis outfitted the expedition with an astonishing array of gear. Read more by clicking on Lewis' receipt for a large quantity of portable soup.

Lewis and Clark collected thousands of plant and animal specimens during their expedition. They also drew an accurate map of the area they traveled, especially the unknown Rocky Mountain passage. The primary goals of the expedition were to establish friendly contact with several Native American tribes and strengthen U.S. claims to Oregon. Separate expeditions led by Zebulon Pike (Arkansas River), William Dunbar (Ouachita River), and Thomas Freeman (Red River) yielded further information about the territory.

 

While at this site, examine the maps, readings, and images about the Lewis and Clark expedition. You may wish to answer the accompanying questions, but you will not turn in your answers to these questions.

Use the information from the website to assess the impact of the Lewis and Clark expedition on each of the following areas:

1. Westward expansion
2. American Indians
3. Science–flora, fauna, and mapping
4. Trade and commerce

You may also find the following website useful for this activity:

Library of Congress: Lewis & Clark

Use this worksheet to write your answer.

Submit your completed writing assignment to the Writing Assignment: Lewis and Clark assignment link for grading.

Next: Section A, page 11

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