Introduction
In May 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out on an expedition across the United States to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. The expedition, which was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, would last nearly two and a half years and cover more than 8,000 miles. This article will provide an overview of the states traveled by Lewis and Clark during their historic journey, as well as some interesting facts about the areas they explored.
A Timeline of Lewis and Clark’s Journey Across the United States
The expedition began in St. Louis, Missouri on May 14th, 1804. Lewis and Clark, along with the Corps of Discovery, traveled up the Missouri River in canoes and keelboats, reaching what is now North Dakota in August. From there, they continued westward, crossing into modern-day Montana in September. In October, they crossed into Idaho and reached the Pacific Ocean in November. After spending the winter in Oregon, they began their return trip eastward in March 1806. They arrived back in St. Louis on September 23rd, 1806.
Exploring the States Visited by Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark’s journey took them through much of the western part of the United States. Here is an overview of the states they traveled through:
Missouri
The expedition began in St. Louis, Missouri, where Lewis and Clark gathered supplies and recruited members for the Corps of Discovery. The group then traveled up the Missouri River, stopping at several points along the way. They wintered in present-day Kansas City before continuing their journey in the spring.
Kansas
Lewis and Clark passed through what is now Kansas in the spring of 1804, traveling along the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. One of their most notable stops was Council Bluffs, where they held a council with the Otoe tribe.
Nebraska
The expedition traveled along the Platte River in Nebraska, reaching present-day Omaha in late June. They stopped at several villages along the way, trading with the local tribes and gathering information about the area. They also encountered several species of wildlife, including bison and grizzly bears.
South Dakota
The Corps of Discovery reached South Dakota in July of 1804. During their time in the state, they encountered several Native American tribes, including the Yankton Sioux, Arikara, and Teton Sioux. They also encountered a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and antelope.
North Dakota
The expedition entered North Dakota in August of 1804 and continued to explore the area until October. During this time, they encountered several Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. They also encountered a variety of wildlife, including bison, wolves, and bighorn sheep.
Montana
The expedition reached present-day Montana in September of 1804. During their time in the state, they encountered several Native American tribes, including the Blackfeet and Shoshone. They also encountered a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep.
Idaho
Lewis and Clark entered Idaho in October of 1804 and continued to explore the area until November. During this time, they encountered several Native American tribes, including the Nez Perce and Shoshone. They also encountered a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and black bears.
Washington
The expedition reached present-day Washington in November of 1804. During their time in the state, they encountered several Native American tribes, including the Chinook and Klickitat. They also encountered a variety of wildlife, including salmon, elk, and deer.
Oregon
Lewis and Clark entered Oregon in November of 1805 and spent the winter in the area. During this time, they encountered several Native American tribes, including the Clatsop, Chinook, and Kalapuya. They also encountered a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and beavers.
Wyoming
The expedition entered Wyoming in April of 1806 and continued to explore the area until May. During this time, they encountered several Native American tribes, including the Arapaho and Shoshone. They also encountered a variety of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep.
Other States Touched Upon During the Expedition
In addition to the states mentioned above, Lewis and Clark also passed through several other states during their journey. These include Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Mapping Lewis and Clark’s Trail Through the West
During their expedition, Lewis and Clark kept detailed maps of their route. These maps were essential for navigation, as well as for recording the geography and native peoples of the area. Today, these maps are valuable resources for understanding the landscape and cultures encountered by the expedition.
In addition to the maps, Lewis and Clark also recorded a number of interesting facts about the areas they traveled through. For example, they noted that the Rocky Mountains were “the grandest sight ever seen by any of us,” and that the Columbia River “is one of the most remarkable rivers in America.” They also encountered a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep.
The People and Wildlife Encountered by Lewis and Clark
During their journey, Lewis and Clark encountered a variety of Native American tribes. These included the Otoe, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Yankton Sioux, Teton Sioux, Blackfeet, Shoshone, Chinook, Klickitat, Nez Perce, and Kalapuya. They also encountered a variety of wildlife, including bison, grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep, wolves, and deer.
An Overview of the Historic Expedition Led by Lewis and Clark
The expedition led by Lewis and Clark was one of the most important explorations in American history. The expedition helped to open up the West to settlement and provided valuable information about the geography and native peoples of the area. It also had an enormous impact on the development of the United States, as it helped to establish the country’s claim to the land.
The expedition was also significant for its scientific achievements. Lewis and Clark collected a vast amount of data on the plants and animals they encountered, as well as on the geography and native cultures of the area. This data was invaluable in helping to further our understanding of the American West.
Conclusion
The expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark was a landmark event in American history. The expedition took them through much of the western part of the United States, providing a wealth of information about the geography, people, and wildlife of the area. Their maps, journals, and other records are still studied today, providing valuable insights into the history of the West.
The expedition of Lewis and Clark was a remarkable achievement and a testament to the courage and determination of the men who undertook it. It was a momentous event in American history that continues to shape our understanding of the West and our nation today.
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