Corps of Discovery

Meriwether Lewis · 1804 CE – 1806 CE · Earth

Explore the Missouri and reach the Pacific.

Historical context

The Louisiana Purchase doubled the young United States overnight, and Jefferson wanted its rivers, peoples and potential charted. The Corps of Discovery travelled to the Pacific and back over two years.

The voyage, step by step

1. Up the Missouri

   1804 CE

   The Corps of Discovery leaves St Louis to explore the Louisiana Purchase.

2. Winter among the Mandan

   1804 CE

   They winter with the Mandan and take on Sacagawea as guide and interpreter.

3. Crossing the Rockies

   1805 CE

   They struggle over the mountains with horses bought from the Shoshone.

4. To the Pacific

   1805 CE

   They reach the Pacific coast and vote on where to winter — including Sacagawea's vote.

Outcome

Reached the Pacific coast and returned with journals.

Meriwether Lewis

American explorer who, with William Clark, led the first US overland expedition to the Pacific coast.

Read on Wikipedia

Sources

• Meriwether Lewis — Wikipedia

Continue exploring

• Fort Mandan to the PacificSacagawea · 1804 CE – 1806 CE
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• Moreton Bay to Port EssingtonLudwig Leichhardt · 1844 CE – 1845 CE