The Lewis and Clark Expedition

Lewis and Clark

The Lewis and Clark Expedition

I can analyze the importance of the Lewis and Clark expedition to the growth of America.

Open Ended

2. President Jefferson asked his personal secretary, Meriwether Lewis, to lead an expedition to the Louisiana Territory.



What is an expedition?

expedition

noun an excursion, journey, or voyage made for some specific purpose, as of war or exploration.

the group of persons, ships, etc., engaged in such an activity:

a large expedition of scientists and military personnel.

promptness or speed in accomplishing something:

He worked with great expedition.

Multiple Select

4. What were the goals of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

• find a land route to the Pacific Ocean.

• Finding gold and silver

• make a map of the Missouri River

• Gather information about the terrain, its resources, and the Native Americans living in the region

Body of discovery

In 1803, Lewis asked his friend and army officer William Clark to accompany him. The expedition, called the Corps of Discovery, consisted of 42 men, all soldiers, trappers or explorers.

In 1804, the group left St. Louis, sailing west on the Missouri River.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Sacagawea

In 1805, a Shoshone woman named Sacagawea joined the group. His job was to be a guide and an interpreter, since he knew several indigenous languages. Sacagawea accompanied Lewis and Clark all the way to and from the Pacific.

How can an interpreter help?

Achievements

• On their journey, Lewis and Clark covered 8,000 miles of terrain, of which they drew maps. They returned to St. Louis in 1806

  
  

• His expedition led to new settlements in the west

  
  

• Soon after, crowds of people moved into the Louisiana Territory in search of opportunities.

  
  

Open Ended

11. What was the significance of the Lewis and Clark expedition toward the growth of the United States?