Background
Explorer Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were appointed by Thomas Jefferson to lead an expedition in 1804 to explore the newly acquired land of the Louisiana Purchase. Lewis and Clark are remembered today as American heroes whose incredible journal entries give us insight into the expedition and the culture of the 19th century. Lewis and Clark’s journey began in St. Louis, Missouri, where they launched their small vessel, the 33-foot open barge named the keelboat. The keelboat carried supplies and provisions as well as the expedition members.
The Mississippi River
For the majority of their journey Lewis and Clark followed the mighty Mississippi River. The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America and is a well-known symbol of the midwestern United States. It was a key component in the development of the New World and significantly impacts the culture and history of the United States. The 2,320-mile-long river is the third longest and fourth-largest river in the world. It empties into the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans.
Lewis and Clark’s Journey
Did Lewis and Clark travel on the Mississippi River during their expedition? The answer is both yes and no. While they did spend a portion of the expedition travelling down the Mississippi, the strategy employed by the team during the expedition was more complex than following one particular river. Lewis and Clark relied on a combination of travel by foot, canoe and keelboat on various rivers, Lakotas and more in order to progress on their route of discovery. This complicated and strategic navigation brought the team over 6,000 miles, across 11 states, and back again in what is considered as one of America’s most tremendous accomplishments.
Though their expedition began on the Mississippi River, Lewis and Clark navigated their way through the gauntlet of rivers, creeks and smaller tributaries until they reached the Missouri River. After the Missouri ran out, the Lewis and Clark journeyed up the Marias River, crossed the Rockies and reached the “Great Falls” of the Missouri River. Shortly thereafter, they finally reached what their mission set out to do – they crossed the Continental Divide and reached the Pacific Coast.
Watercrafts Used
To navigate, Lewis and Clark and the members of their expedition team traveled in a variety of transport vessels. The most iconic being the keelboat, which was modified for use by the expedition’s crew in Pittsburgh. The boat, as it is known today, is a 33-foot open flat barge with a high stern deck, bottom rudder and crew seats.
The keelboat proved to be incredibly reliable in navigating the rivers and streams, making it the perfect vessel to traverse the great distances of the Louisiana Territory. Taking the keelboat to ports that the team found along their journey, they were also able to film and document many of the tribes and Native Americans they encountered. The strength and reliability of the keelboat proved to be invaluable as the team reached their ultimate goal, the Pacific Ocean.
Long-term Impacts
Beyond their immediate mission of discovery, Lewis & Clark and their expedition teams changed America’s history forever by introducing information related to the geography andNative American populations of the newly acquired lands. Lewis and Clark were also first in the colonies to document how white men, trappers, and merchants interacted with the cultures of the Natives and how the Natives interacted with them. The expedition provided invaluable information on the natural resources of the purchased lands, which allowed the new federal government to make wiser decisions when navigated through the unresolved legal territories of the Louisiana Purchase.
What They Discovered
In addition to providing a firsthand look at the unique cultures of Native American tribes, the team also made numerous discoveries about the geographical features of the region. They found the headwaters of the Missouri River – an individual tributary that would form part of the route for the future Oregon Trail. It was also at this point that they noted the Rocky Mountains. Occupying vast swaths of the West, the Rocky Mountains were previously unknown to most colonists. The expedition party was also the first Europeans to cross the Continental Divide, reaching the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River.
Native American Interactions
Lewis and Clark were not only interested in the land and geographical features they encountered, but they also documented their interactions with the natives. They recorded notes, descriptions and audiovisual materials of the people they met. This documentation is still considered one of the most comprehensive records of the Native tribes at the time of the expedition. The relations Lewis and Clark had with the tribes along their journey were mostly peaceful and based on exchange. In return for gifts and hospitality, the expedition was able to receive information about the geography and other cultures.
Legacy of their Expedition
Lewis and Clark’s expedition marked a significant point in American history. It left behind a wealth of knowledge about the newly acquired territories of the Louisiana Purchase giving the government the ability to make better informed decisions that ultimately led to the expansion of the states they crossed. Their small step of taking the keelboat down the Mississippi river started a movement of exploration and is a large part of the reason why America is what it is today.
Perspectives from Experts
According to historian T. H. Glennon, “Lewis and Clark’s journey was a very significant accomplishment and helped open the door to the new world. It was a major leap in understanding how the United States would interact with the Native Americans and other inhabitants of the area and laid the groundwork for future exploration and settlement.”
Geographer Jennifer Ferris agrees: “Lewis and Clark’s expedition has left an indelible imprint on America’s history. Their journey across the United States shed light on its people, cultures and geography. It increased our understanding of the land and its inhabitants, and their work has helped shape our country into what it is today.”
Insights and Analysis
The journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark serves as a reminder of the power of exploration and discovery. Navigating the dangerous river systems to uncover the unknown was no small feat, and the legacy of what they discovered is felt to this day. Lewis and Clark were adventurous trailblazers who opened the door to the new world with their courage and determination.
Commemoration and Recognition
The courage and resourcefulness of the Lewis and Clark expedition has been (and continues to be) recognized and celebrated both in the United States and abroad. In 2001, President Bill Clinton dedicated the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail spanning 4,000 miles from Pittsburgh to the Pacific Ocean. The trail acknowledges the efforts of the Corps of Discovery and growth of America’s western frontier. In addition, museums, monuments, statues, festivals, and events have been held in honor of their courage, marking the importance of their lasting contribution.
Contemporary Effects
The impact of the Lewis and Clark expedition continues to be felt today. Their journey helped to shape the cultural identity of the United States and the territories acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. Along the way, they made discoveries that allowed the federal government to gain important insights related to the Native American tribes and resources of the new land. The expedition was an important milestone in the history of the United States and the legacy of Lewis and Clark’s journey lives on.
Tourism and Recreation
The hard work of Lewis and Clark has not gone unrecognized. Their journey has become a tourist destination linking many of America’s National Parks, monuments and historic sites—from the Statue of Lewis and Clark in Cape Disappointment, Washington to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center in Nebraska. Additionally, outdoor recreation sites such as Summit Lake State Park in Indiana and Sacajawea State Park in Washington offer visitors hiking, camping, and exploring along the way.
Lewis and Clark Libraries
Today, more than two centuries later, Lewis and Clark’s expedition continues to inspire and educate new generations of Americans. Lewis and Clark libraries, located in various states, host literary events and programs to celebrate the legacy of two American heroes. They are packed with educational items, including books and videos, related to the expedition and the exploration of the American West.
Conclusion
Lewis and Clark’s journey was one of the most important expeditions of its time – and one of the most important in American history. Their journey down the Mississippi River opened the door to a new era of exploration and sparked the eventual development of much of the United States we know today. Lewis and Clark’s journey demonstrated what was possible in the age of exploration and left a lasting legacy that is still celebrated today.
