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 in Illinois

Historical marker location:

East St. Louis, Illinois

( Marker is at the intersection of S Front St and Riverpark Drive, on the right when traveling north on S Front St.)

Marker installed: 2003

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 McDonald's restaurant was opened in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. The restaurant was designed to be a drive-in, but it quickly became popular with families and eventually evolved into the fast-food chain we know today.

About St. Clair County

St. Clair County, Illinois, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 18th century. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cahokia and Illinois tribes, who lived along the Mississippi River. In the early 1700s, French explorers, such as Louis Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette, arrived in the area and established a fur trading post near present-day Cahokia. This marked the beginning of European settlement in St. Clair County.

In 1763, the area came under British control following the French and Indian War. However, after the American Revolutionary War, the region was ceded to the new United States as part of the Northwest Territory. St. Clair County was officially established in 1790 and named after Arthur St. Clair, a Revolutionary War officer. It was one of the first counties in the Illinois Territory and included a vast area that extended beyond the borders of present-day Illinois.

Throughout the 19th century, St. Clair County experienced significant growth and development. The county became a transportation hub with the opening of the National Road in the early 1830s, which connected the region to the eastern seaboard. The construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in the 1840s further enhanced transportation in the area.

St. Clair County was also a key player in the industrial revolution. Coal mining became a major industry in the county, with numerous mines opening in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The county's proximity to St. Louis, Missouri, and its growing industrialization also contributed to St. Clair County's growth.

Today, St. Clair County continues to thrive as an important economic and cultural center in Illinois. It is home to major cities and towns, including Belleville, East St. Louis, and O'Fallon. The county boasts a diverse population and offers a multitude of attractions and amenities, from historical sites to recreational opportunities. Its rich history plays an important role in shaping the county's identity and continues to be celebrated by its residents.

St. Clair County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of St. Clair County, Illinois.

1790 - St. Clair County is established as part of the Northwest Territory.
1809 - Illinois Territory is created, and St. Clair County is incorporated as part of the new territory.
1818 - Illinois becomes a state, and St. Clair County remains a part of it.
1820 - Belleville is established as the county seat of St. Clair County.
1841 - St. Clair County experiences a severe cholera epidemic, resulting in many deaths.
1861 - The American Civil War begins, and St. Clair County contributes soldiers to the Union Army.
1945 - Scott Air Force Base is established in St. Clair County, bringing economic growth to the area.
1974 - East St. Louis faces a financial crisis, leading to the creation of the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department to manage federal funds.
2010 - St. Clair County's population reaches over 270,000, and it remains an important part of the state of Illinois.