Who Were Lewis and Clark?Who Were Lewis and Clark?

President JeffersonPresident Jefferson

President Jefferson wanted to explore the Louisiana Purchase. He chose Meriwether Lewis to organize an expedition, or a journey for a special purpose. Lewis chose William Clark to help him lead the journey.

Purpose of the ExpeditionPurpose of the Expedition

One purpose of the expedition was to find out as much as possible about the new land, including the plants and animals.

Purpose of the ExpeditionPurpose of the Expedition

Another reason was to find a water route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, called the Northwest Passage. Travel by river would be an important way to improve transportation across the new land.

Purpose of the ExpeditionPurpose of the Expedition

A third reason was to meet Native American tribes living in the new territory.

Importance of the ExpeditionImportance of the Expedition

The expedition left from St. Louis in May 1804. In 1806, they returned with maps of the new land and drawings of the people and animals they saw on their way to the Pacific Ocean. As a result of their expedition, Missouri became an important road through which settlers passed westward.

Lewis and Clark ExpeditionLewis and Clark Expedition

Lewis and ClarkLewis and Clark

• Lewis and Clark led the expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase.

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