On May 14, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition set out from near St. Louis, traveling up the Missouri River. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, the expedition’s goals included exploring the Louisiana Purchase territory, mapping routes, and establishing contacts with Native American nations. The group included soldiers, boatmen, interpreters, and later the famous guide Sacagawea. Their journey would take more than two years and reach the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, they recorded detailed observations about geography, wildlife, and plant life. The expedition’s reports helped Americans understand the vast lands west of the Mississippi and encouraged further exploration and settlement.
