Lewis and Clark Expedition (jan 1, 1804 – jan 1, 1806)
Description:
Jefferson convinced Congress to finance (2,500 dollars) important expedition to explore the newly acquired territory and discover Indian communities, flora and fauna.Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with explorers left Saint Louis in May 1804, reached the Pacific in November 1805 and came back to Saint Louis in 1806.
Were helped by some Indian guides, including Sacagawea (Shoshone interpret), only one dead despite the numerous dangers they met (rapids, hunger, cold, wild animals and Indian hostilities).
Proved successful and provided evidence of the potential this huge territory represented for the Early Republic = outstanding opportunities for the so-called "Empire of Liberty" to grow and expand.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1804
jan 1, 1806
~ 2 years