Corps of Discovery – The Lewis & Clark Expedition
The Corps of Discovery – The Lewis & Clark Expedition (1804-1806) stands as a pivotal moment in American history, marking the first United States overland expedition to successfully reach the Pacific coast and return. This ambitious undertaking, fueled by the burgeoning spirit of westward expansion, not only charted vast, unexplored territories but also laid the groundwork for future settlement and development.
The impetus for the Corps of Discovery – The Lewis & Clark Expedition arose from the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, a monumental land acquisition that doubled the size of the United States and ignited a fervent desire to explore and claim the newly acquired lands stretching westward. Shortly after this historic purchase, President Thomas Jefferson, a staunch advocate for western expansion, sought congressional approval and funding to dispatch a military unit to traverse the continent and reach the Pacific Ocean. Jefferson envisioned more than just a simple trek; he tasked the expedition with a multifaceted mission that included meticulous documentation of the diverse Indian tribes inhabiting the region, comprehensive surveys of the geography and climate, detailed studies of the flora and fauna, and an assessment of the potential influence of British and French-Canadian hunters and trappers already operating in the area. A paramount objective for Jefferson was the discovery of a navigable waterway that would provide a direct link between the eastern and western reaches of the nation, facilitating trade and communication.
To spearhead this ambitious endeavor, Jefferson handpicked Captain Meriwether Lewis, a 28-year-old Army officer known for his intelligence, resourcefulness, and leadership capabilities. Lewis, in turn, selected his former Army comrade, 32-year-old William Clark, to serve as co-leader of the expedition. Despite bureaucratic delays that resulted in Clark officially holding the rank of Second Lieutenant at the time, Lewis recognized Clark’s invaluable skills in cartography, river navigation, and diplomacy with Native American tribes. To maintain morale and ensure effective command, Lewis concealed Clark’s lower rank from the men and consistently referred to him as "Captain," fostering a sense of shared leadership and mutual respect throughout the expedition.
The Corps of Discovery – The Lewis & Clark Expedition commenced its preparations near St. Louis, Missouri, in December 1803, establishing a winter camp at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, specifically at the mouth of Wood River on the Illinois side of the Mississippi. During this period of encampment, Lewis and Clark diligently recruited a diverse group of individuals, including seasoned woodsmen, skilled boatmen, and enlisted soldiers who volunteered from nearby army outposts. The recruitment process prioritized individuals with expertise in hunting, trapping, navigation, and survival skills, ensuring that the expedition would be well-equipped to face the challenges that lay ahead.
By the spring of 1804, the expedition was ready to embark on its historic journey. The group, consisting of approximately 40 men, set off westward on May 14, 1804, navigating the treacherous currents of the Missouri River. As they progressed westward through the long, hot summer months, the expedition encountered numerous obstacles, including challenging river conditions, dense vegetation, and encounters with wildlife. They passed Le Rochette, the last white settlement on the Missouri River, marking their entry into largely uncharted territory. The expedition continued through what is now Kansas City, Missouri, and along the present-day borders of Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa, steadily making their way into the heart of the American West.
Despite the overarching sense of adventure and discovery, the expedition was not without its internal challenges. Disciplinary issues arose within the ranks, leading to instances of flogging as punishment for infractions. There were also two desertions, highlighting the hardships and temptations faced by some members of the expedition. One man was dishonorably discharged for mutiny, underscoring the importance of maintaining order and discipline in such a remote and challenging environment. On August 20, 1804, the Corps of Discovery – The Lewis & Clark Expedition suffered its first and only fatality when Sergeant Charles Floyd succumbed to what was believed to be an attack of acute appendicitis. Floyd’s death served as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in the expedition and the fragility of life in the wilderness.
As the expedition ventured into present-day South Dakota, they encountered a band of Teton Sioux, a powerful and influential Native American tribe. The Teton Sioux attempted to detain the expedition’s boats, asserting their control over the region and seeking to extract tribute. However, Lewis and Clark, displaying their superior weaponry and demonstrating their resolve, managed to negotiate a peaceful passage and were eventually allowed to continue their journey westward.
The expedition spent its first winter near present-day Washburn, North Dakota, among the Mandan Indians, a relatively peaceful and agrarian tribe. On the north bank of the Missouri River, the explorers constructed a log fort, which they named Fort Mandan in honor of their Mandan hosts. By this point, the expedition had traversed approximately 1,500 miles, a testament to their perseverance and determination. The winter months were spent hunting for sustenance, gathering information about the route ahead from the Mandan Indians, and crafting tools and implements that would be used for trade and survival. During their stay at Fort Mandan, the expedition encountered Toussaint Charbonneau, a French-Canadian trader, and his young pregnant Shoshone wife, Sacagawea.
Sacagawea’s tribal homeland lay far to the west in the Rocky Mountain country, and she possessed fluency in both the Shoshone and Minitari dialects. Recognizing her potential value as a guide and interpreter, Lewis and Clark hired Charbonneau and Sacagawea to accompany the expedition. In February, Sacagawea gave birth to her son at Fort Mandan, and when the expedition resumed its westward journey in April, the young family joined the group, adding a new dimension to the expedition’s dynamic.
Along the way, Sacagawea proved to be even more valuable than initially anticipated. Her presence among the expedition served as a symbol of peace and goodwill, helping to allay the fears and suspicions of various Native American tribes encountered along the route. She also played a crucial role in negotiating for horses and supplies, leveraging her cultural knowledge and linguistic skills to facilitate trade and maintain positive relationships with the indigenous populations.
The expedition continued its arduous journey up the Missouri River and into Montana Territory. As they approached the formidable Rocky Mountains, the river’s flow began to diminish, signaling the end of their waterborne travel. As the expedition reached the river’s headwaters deep within the mountains, they were compelled to transition to overland travel, a physically demanding and logistically challenging undertaking. Despite their initial hopes that the Missouri River would connect to another major river leading to the Pacific Ocean, the expedition discovered that such an easy passage did not exist, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of the western landscape.
The expedition pressed onward by land, traversing vast stretches of present-day Northern Idaho until they reached the Clearwater and Snake Rivers, where they were able to resume their journey by boat. The expedition made more rapid progress by water, reaching the Columbia River in mid-October. Continuing downstream, they navigated through Celilo Falls and passed through what is now Portland, Oregon.
In November 1805, after approximately 18 months of travel from St. Louis, Lewis spotted Mt. Hood, a prominent mountain known to be in close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. With the onset of winter looming, the expedition established a permanent winter dwelling south of the Columbia River, near present-day Astoria, Oregon, which they christened Fort Clatsop. The expedition spent the winter months preparing for the return journey by boiling salt from the ocean, hunting elk and other wildlife for sustenance, and maintaining their equipment.
On March 23, 1806, the explorers commenced their journey homeward. Upon reaching a suitable point, Lewis and Clark made the decision to split up their forces to explore different regions of the territory. Clark led one group up the Yellowstone River, while Lewis led another group into North Central Montana and the Province of Alberta. The two groups reunited on the Missouri River in August and arrived back in St. Louis on September 23, 1806, marking the successful completion of their epic journey.
Throughout the duration of the expedition, Lewis and Clark meticulously collected samples of plants, animals, and birds, documenting their encounters with the diverse Indian tribes they met along the way. Their detailed observations of the climate, landscape, plant communities, and human and animal populations provided invaluable knowledge to a rapidly expanding nation. The Corps of Discovery – The Lewis & Clark Expedition provided comprehensive documentation that would shape future exploration and settlement.
Although the expedition did not discover the elusive Northwest Passage, its accomplishments were substantial. It significantly expanded the nation’s understanding of the newly acquired territory, opening the doors to westward settlement and economic development.
Following the conclusion of the expedition, Lewis was appointed governor of the Louisiana Territory in 1807. However, his career was cut short by a controversy involving government finances, leading him to embark on a journey to Washington, D.C., to resolve the dispute. Tragically, on October 11, 1809, while traveling through Tennessee, Governor Meriwether Lewis died mysteriously from gunshot wounds sustained at Grinder’s Stand, a public roadhouse. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, with speculation ranging from murder to suicide. His grave is located at the site of his death, within the Natchez Trace National Parkway near Hohenwald, Tennessee.
Meanwhile, Clark was appointed a brigadier general of the territory in March 1807. In 1813, he was appointed Governor of Missouri Territory, a position he held until Missouri achieved statehood in 1820. In 1822, President James Monroe appointed him Superintendent of Indian Affairs, a role he continued to serve in under succeeding presidents for the remainder of his life. General William Clark passed away from natural causes in St. Louis on September 1, 1838, and is buried in the Clark Family plot at Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Today, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail commemorates the expedition’s route along the Missouri and Columbia Rivers. Despite the significant changes that have occurred over the centuries, many sections of the trail remain intact, offering opportunities for visitors to experience the landscape and history of the expedition. Spanning 3,700 miles, the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail is the second-longest of the 23 National Scenic and National Historic Trails, traversing through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Visitors can explore the trail by car, while more adventurous individuals can discover many sections that are conducive to boating, biking, or hiking. The Corps of Discovery – The Lewis & Clark Expedition legacy lives on through this trail.