What was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was an exploration mission commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1804. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition aimed to explore the newly acquired western territory of the United States, known as the Louisiana Purchase.

Why was the Lewis and Clark Expedition significant?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was significant for several reasons. It provided crucial information about the geography, natural resources, and Native American tribes of the western portion of the United States. It helped to establish American claims to the Pacific Northwest and paved the way for future westward expansion.

Who were Meriwether Lewis and William Clark?

Meriwether Lewis was Thomas Jefferson's personal secretary and an experienced frontiersman. William Clark was an experienced military officer and friend of Lewis. Together, they were appointed by Jefferson to lead the expedition.

How long did the Lewis and Clark Expedition last?

The expedition officially began on May 14, 1804, and ended on September 23, 1806, lasting a total of about two and a half years.

What was the goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

The primary goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was to find a practical water route across the western portion of the continent, commonly referred to as the `Northwest Passage.` They also aimed to establish trade with Native American tribes, collect scientific data, and document the natural resources of the region.

What challenges did the expedition face?

The expedition faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, treacherous terrain, encounters with hostile Native American tribes, and the physical and psychological toll of the journey. They had to navigate rivers, cross mountains, and endure long periods of isolation and hardship.

What were some notable achievements of the expedition?

The expedition achieved several significant milestones, including reaching the Pacific Ocean, establishing friendly relations with many Native American tribes, and collecting valuable scientific data and specimens. They also created detailed maps of the region, opening up opportunities for future settlement and exploration.

What was the role of Sacagawea in the expedition?

Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, played a vital role as an interpreter, guide, and cultural liaison for the expedition. Her knowledge of the local geography and her ability to communicate with different Native American tribes proved invaluable to Lewis and Clark.

Did the Lewis and Clark Expedition find the Northwest Passage?

No, the expedition did not find a navigable water route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which was their initial objective. However, their exploration provided important insights into the geography and resources of the western region of the United States.

What was the legacy of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

The expedition's legacy is significant. It contributed to the understanding of the vast western territories, stimulated further exploration and settlement of the American West, and provided valuable scientific and cultural insights. The journals and maps created by Lewis and Clark remain valuable historical documents to this day.

Historical Marker

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Historical marker location:

101 Madison St, Jefferson City, Missouri

( Marker is at the intersection of Madison Street and State Street, on the left when traveling north on Madison Street.)

Marker installed: 1953

A brief timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

1803: President Thomas Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary, to lead an expedition to explore the western territories of the United States and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.
1804: Lewis meets up with William Clark, a former army officer and experienced explorer, in Kentucky. They assemble a team of over 30 men and set out on the journey up the Missouri River.
1805: The expedition reaches the Rocky Mountains and crosses the Continental Divide. They build Fort Clatsop on the Pacific coast and spend the winter there, before returning east in the spring of 1806.
1806: Lewis and Clark split up to explore different routes on their way back to St. Louis. They reunite in September and return to civilization, where they are celebrated as national heroes.
1807: The Lewis and Clark Expedition publishes an official account of their journey, called the "History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark," which becomes a bestseller and helps to promote westward expansion.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was a significant event in the history of the United States, as it helped to expand the country's knowledge of its western territories and paved the way for future settlement and exploration of the region.

The first ever drive-thru restaurant in the world was opened in Springfield, Missouri in 1947 by a man named Red Chaney. The restaurant, called Red's Giant Hamburg, was known for its signature "Giant Hamburgers" and became a popular fast food chain in the Midwest.

About Cole County

Cole County, Missouri, is located in the central part of the state. It was formed on November 16, 1820, and named after Captain Stephen Cole, an early settler and veteran of the War of 1812. The county was established when the Missouri State Legislature decided to divide the more populous and prosperous Boone County into smaller jurisdictions.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1800s, primarily of German and Irish descent. They were attracted by the fertile soil along the banks of the Missouri River. Cole County quickly became an important agricultural center, with crops such as wheat, corn, and tobacco dominating the local economy. The county seat, Jefferson City, was chosen to be the capital of Missouri in 1821, further boosting its growth and development.

During the Civil War, Cole County was a divided community. Although Missouri officially remained in the Union, there were Confederate sympathizers in the area. Jefferson City was occupied by Union troops for the majority of the war, and several notable skirmishes took place in the county. In the post-war years, Cole County experienced economic growth and modernization. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century and the construction of the Missouri State Penitentiary in the early 20th century brought further development and employment opportunities.

Today, Cole County continues to be an important political and economic hub in central Missouri. Jefferson City, the county seat, remains the state capital and houses numerous government buildings and institutions. The county is also known for its rich natural beauty, with the Missouri River offering opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. Cole County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have shaped the area into the thriving community it is today.

Cole County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cole County, Missouri.

1818 - Cole County is established on November 16
1821 - The new state capital, Jefferson City, is selected to be located in Cole County
1837 - Construction of the Missouri State Penitentiary begins in Jefferson City
1861 - The Civil War begins, and Cole County becomes divided in its support of the Union and Confederate causes
1865 - The Civil War ends, and Cole County begins the process of rebuilding and recovering from the war
1896 - The first automobile arrives in Cole County
1911 - The current Missouri State Capitol building is completed in Jefferson City
1941 - The Jefferson City Army Airfield is established, becoming an important training center during World War II
1954 - The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, known as the Gateway Arch, is completed in St. Louis, just outside of Cole County
1964 - The Missouri State Penitentiary is expanded, becoming the largest walled prison in the United States
1980 - The Missouri State Penitentiary closes after 133 years of operation
2008 - The Capitol Avenue Historic District in Jefferson City is added to the National Register of Historic Places