The Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1807 is one of the most significant chapters in the history of the exploration of the United States. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the party of explorers was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. The group started the journey near present day St. Louis and the goal was to reach the Pacific Ocean. It was an ambitious task, but little did anyone know what they would accomplish in the three years they spent crossing the continent.
One of the main questions regarding the Lewis and Clark expedition is whether they traveled the Mississippi River while on their journey. It appears that they did not. Instead, they crossed the Missouri River, although they did more than just follow the course of the river. The group actually cut a path through the Louisiana Territory, which included portaging around rapids and even ascending rivers against the current.
The reason Lewis and Clark did not travel the Mississippi River was because it was considered the most dangerous part of the journey. The river was known to be treacherous, as well as unpredictable. Furthermore, Jefferson had instructed them to avoid “culminating difficulties” that may arise from the navigation of the river. So, the explorers chose to take the safer route via the Missouri River.
In spite of not traveling the Mississippi, the Lewis and Clark expedition changed the course of American history and ushered in the era of the American West. The flora and fauna they encountered, their interactions with native tribes, and the knowledge they gained about the newly acquired Louisiana Territory were invaluable. This led to more investments in the region, encouraging settlement and opening the door to further exploration and development.
The expedition also helped to increase the sense of national unity in the United States. It was an ambitious task and many citizens were in awe of what the Corps of Discovery accomplished. They were seen as brave and courageous explorers and the nation celebrated the expedition’s hard-earned successes.
The legacy of the expedition remains a source of pride for many Americans. In spite of the hardships and difficult terrain, Lewis and Clark’s mission is remembered as a great victory and one of the most significant explorations of the United States.
The Cost of the Expedition
The Lewis and Clark expedition cost the United States an estimated $2.6 million in today’s value. Initially, President Thomas Jefferson appropriated $2,500 for the journey but as the trip progressed, this figure was revised to more accurately reflect the expense. It was a huge sum at the time, equal to the annual salaries of four French generals and more than the cost of building two frigates.
Some sources suggest that the expedition may have exceeded its initial budget, although how far beyond this figure is unclear. As the initial estimates may have been conservative, the true cost could be higher. It is likely that the US government continued to make funds available to the group as they exceeded their initial expectations.
Aside from the monetary cost, the expedition was also immensely physically and emotionally demanding on the 2 dozen individuals involved. The expedition members risked their lives numerous times throughout their journey and endured extreme weather, starvation and hostile encounters with Native Americans.
It is impossible to measure the cost of the expedition in terms of human life, but the accomplishments and discoveries of the party have contributed significantly to the development of the United States in the two centuries since.
The Significance of the Expedition
The Lewis and Clark expedition has been praised and well documented as one of the most important explorations in US history. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the group set out from St. Louis in 1804 and reached the Pacific Ocean in 1806. In the intervening years, they crossed the entire Louisiana Territory, encountering various native tribes and mapping the topography.
The expedition not only affirmed the US claims to the territory but made discoveries about flora, fauna and the topography which would be invaluable to later settlers. It also served to bring together the settlers of the East and West Coasts into a national unity and gave Americans an explorer’s identity. It is remarkable to consider all that the expedition achieved in such a short timeframe.
In recognition of the importance of the expedition, Lewis and Clark were each awarded a promotion and a silver medal by President Jefferson. Numerous books, paintings and other accounts were written in their honor and the story of their explorations continues to be revered and celebrated.
Today, the Lewis and Clark expedition still serves to remind us of the courage and ambition of early American explorers and of the importance of exploration and discovery in the development of the United States.
Impact of the Expedition on Native Americans
The impact of the Lewis and Clark expedition on Native Americans was both positive and negative. The explorers encountered numerous native tribes during their journey and attempted to build relationships with them. This included negotiating land treaties and trade agreements, as well as providing weapons and goods in exchange for food and other supplies.
The expedition also brought with it diseases which could not be treated by the Native Americans, leading to population decline. This led to some tribes becoming hostile towards the explorers and their efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution were often unsuccessful.
In spite of this, the expedition also brought familiarity with the idea of the United States, which would ultimately lead to the native tribes being recognized as US citizens. Many native tribes also benefited from the increased trade opportunities and knowledge provided by the expedition, as well as learning useful skills and knowledge from the explorers.
The legacy of the Lewis and Clark expedition on Native Americans is mixed, but overall it served to bridge the gap between the Native Americans and the Europeans and Americans. It would become the foundation of relationships between the two peoples which remain to this day.
Controversies of the Expedition
The Lewis and Clark expedition has been both hailed as an incredible feat of exploration and criticized for its negative impact on Native Americans. The expedition was a significant undertaking which cost the United States a significant sum and brought with it diseases which had devastating consequences for some Native American tribes.
The negative legacy of the expedition has been well documented and is still the subject of much debate and criticism. Some have argued that the expedition was simply an effort to expand the territory of the United States at the expense of the native peoples, while others suggest that the expedition was a remarkable feat which deserves to be celebrated.
The ethical controversies behind the expedition remain unresolved and will likely continue to be debated as new discoveries are made and more information is revealed. Ultimately, the expedition must be judged on the significance of the discoveries and the achievements made, as well as the morality of the expedition itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1807 was a remarkable and significant undertaking which changed the history of the United States forever. The group of explorers braved challenging terrain and hostile natives to cross the continent and set the course for American development in the West. Despite not traveling the Mississippi River, their crossing of the Missouri River opened the door to further exploration and settlement and helped to unify the nation.
The significance of the expedition is undeniable, but there are also many ethical controversies associated with the journey. The cost of the expedition in terms of human life and resources continues to be discussed and debated to this day. Overall, the exploration of the Lewis and Clark expedition stands as a remarkable event in the history of the United States.
