Introduction
In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to embark on an expedition across America. This historic trek would become known as the Corps of Discovery expedition. Spanning nearly three years and covering thousands of miles, Lewis and Clark’s mission was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, find a practical route across the continent, and establish an American presence in the West.
The purpose of this article is to explore how far did Lewis and Clark travel on their expedition. We will chart the course taken by the pair, examine the difficulties encountered along the way, and uncover the legacy of their historic trek. Finally, we will look at the total distance travelled by Lewis and Clark and compare it to modern-day equivalents.
Mapping the Miles: A Look at the Distance Travelled by Lewis and Clark
The first step of the Corps of Discovery Expedition was to map the Missouri River and its tributaries. Lewis and Clark set off from St. Louis, Missouri, with a team of 33 men, including interpreters, soldiers, and boatmen. They travelled up the Missouri River and then split off into two teams. One group headed westward to explore the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast, while the other team continued up the Missouri.
To chart the course taken by Lewis and Clark, researchers used evidence such as maps, journals, and tribal accounts. According to a study published in the journal American Scientist, “Lewis and Clark traveled approximately 8,000 miles over the course of two years, six months, and nine days.”
The Great American Expedition: Charting the Course of Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark’s journey took them through lands that were unknown to Europeans. As they ventured westward, they encountered many different Native American tribes, including the Otoe, Omaha, Pawnee, Shoshone, and Nez Perce. They also encountered grizzly bears, bison, and other wildlife.
The route taken by Lewis and Clark was fraught with difficulty. The terrain was often mountainous, and the rivers were often too shallow or too swift for the boats. The expedition faced extreme weather conditions and food shortages. They also had to contend with disease, hostile natives, and difficult terrain. Despite these challenges, the pair successfully mapped the course of the Missouri River and explored the western territories.
Unearthing the Legacy of Lewis and Clark’s Historic Trek
The legacy of the Lewis and Clark Expedition has endured. The expedition opened up vast areas of the American West to exploration, settlement, and trade. It also helped to foster relationships between the United States and Native American tribes.
The expedition had a profound impact on the lives of the Native Americans they encountered. The explorers documented the languages, customs, and cultures of the different tribes they encountered. They also brought tools, weapons, and other supplies that were invaluable to the Native Americans.
The significance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in American history cannot be overstated. The journey helped to shape the nation’s identity and served as a symbol of the American spirit of exploration and discovery.
Following in their Footsteps: How Far Did Lewis and Clark Travel?
So, how far did Lewis and Clark travel? According to the Journal of American History, the pair traversed over 8,000 miles during their journey. This included a trip up the Missouri river, across the Rocky Mountains, and down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean.
To put this distance into perspective, it is equivalent to travelling from New York City to Los Angeles and back again. It is also the same distance as travelling around the world at the equator. This is an incredible feat for a journey that spanned only two and a half years.
Conclusion
The journey of Lewis and Clark was an epic adventure that had a lasting legacy. The pair traversed over 8,000 miles, encountering many different Native American tribes and exploring new lands. Their expedition opened up vast areas of the American West to exploration, settlement, and trade, and helped to foster relationships between the United States and Native American tribes.
Today, the legacy of Lewis and Clark continues to inspire travelers and adventurers alike. Their incredible story serves as a reminder of the power of exploration, determination, and resilience.
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