What was the purpose of the journey taken on by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1804?

In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out on a two-year journey to document the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. On the way to the Pacific, they collected information on plants, animals, and about some of the Native American nations living in the area.

Why was the expedition of Lewis and Clark so important?

Lewis and Clark were important because they undertook the first expedition to cross the western part of the United States all the way to the Pacific Ocean. During their expedition, they explored the newly acquired lands of the Louisiana Purchase, surveyed and mapped the land, established a U.S.

What did Lewis and Clark do in the Louisiana Purchase?

During their expedition, they explored the newly acquired lands of the Louisiana Purchase, surveyed and mapped the land, established a U.S. presence for legal purposes, made friendly contact with many Native American tribes, and scientifically studied local flora and fauna.

When did Lewis and Clark break camp for the journey?

Lewis recorded that the mouth of Wood River was “to be considered the point of departure” for the westward journey. The Expedition broke camp on May 14, 1804. Clark wrote in his journal: “I set out at 4 oClock P.M and proceeded on under a jentle brease up the Missouri.”

Why did Jefferson want to go on the Lewis and Clark Trail?

Jefferson hoped to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean—the long-sought-after Northwest Passage. This was not Jefferson’s only goal. He also wanted to gather knowledge about the native people living along the route and to establish positive relationships between his government and theirs.

What are facts about Lewis and Clark Expedition?

Interesting Lewis and Clark Expedition Facts: The Lewis and Clark Expedition is also referred to as the Corps of Discovery by historians. Captain Lewis was asked by the U.S. president Thomas Jefferson to explore the Louisiana Territory and America’s Wild West, after it had been purchased.

What did Lewis and Clark discover?

The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition is credited with discovering 178 plants species. The expedition took place between 1805 to 1806. President Thomas Jefferson assigned Meriwether Lewis the task of recording all new plant life along the journey.

What was the timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled along the Missouri River from St. Louis to the mouth of the Columbia River . The Lewis and Clark Expedition started on May 21, 1804 and ended on September 23, 1806. Lewis and Clark Expedition for kids.

Why was the Lewis and Clark Expedition important?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was considered a great success, and it did meet its official purpose, as it helped foster an American fur trade. And it also met the other various goals, especially by increasing scientific knowledge and providing more reliable maps.