Meriwether Lewis

explorer · American history · adventure · discovery

Led the Lewis and Clark Expedition. President Thomas Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the huge territory the United States had just bought from France, called the Louisiana Purchase. They traveled up the Missouri River and all the way to the Pacific Ocean, discovering new lands and meeting Native American peoples along the way.

Scientist and collector. Lewis didn't just look for new land to claim for America, he was also a scientist who carefully studied and collected information about the plants, animals, and Native nations he encountered. His notes and discoveries helped people understand the natural world of the West.

Trail through wild country. The expedition took about two and a half years and covered thousands of miles through forests, mountains, and prairies that few Europeans had ever seen. The journey was incredibly difficult, but Lewis and Clark's maps and stories inspired people to move west and explore more.

Worked with Native peoples. Lewis and Clark met many Native American tribes during their journey, and Native guides like Sacagawea helped them survive and find routes through the wilderness. These meetings gave Lewis valuable knowledge about how people lived in the West.

Governor and administrator. After his famous expedition, President Jefferson appointed Lewis to be the Governor of Upper Louisiana in 1806, showing how much the President trusted him. He also worked to get the expedition's findings published so the whole world could learn what they discovered.