The Lewis and Clark Expedition

The Lewis and Clark Expedition

Introduction

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, referred as the “Crop of Discovery Expedition” incurred during 1804 to 1806, commenced by United States, considered as the first transcontinental expedition to the coast of Pacific. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the expedition, who was two veterans of Indian wars born in Virginia, where President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition. The purpose of the expedition was commercial along with scientific discovery, which includes the study related to animal life, plants and geography and finding the regions that can be exploited for the economical purpose.

Discussion

Jefferson who was the commissioning the expedition explained the purpose of the expedition was the search of the approachable and direst sea route for commerce and trade from Asia across the continent. The other importance that Jefferson placed for the expedition was the declaration of the sovereignty of Unites States over the Native Americans, living beside Missouri River, and acquiring the resources that completed the Louisiana Purchase.

The expedition included the companionship of Shoshone Indian women, who were fifteen years of age namely Sacagawea, French Canadian fur trader's wife. The expedition reached the pacific oceans after crossing the Rocky Mountains in the area namely Oregon, lying beyond the boundaries of the new nation, in 1805. On the return from the journey in 1806, the expeditors brought the massive information regarding the animals and plants found in the region.

On the return, writing of daily journals took place, stating the discoveries regarding the geography, animals, plants and cultures of Indians. The expedition was for the purpose of discovery of the sea route for trade and commerce from Asia, which failed, however, the journey resulted in the discovery of the land route to the Pacific coast and significant accomplishment in science. Native Americans found in Mississippi, engaged ...