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

Historical marker location:

Wheeling, West Virginia

( Marker is at the intersection of 14th Street and Main Street, on the right when traveling south on 14th Street.)

Marker installed: 2000

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.

Audiobooks about the history of West Virginia.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is the site of John Brown's raid in 1859, which is considered a major event leading up to the Civil War. Brown and his supporters attempted to seize the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an effort to arm slaves and start a rebellion against slaveholders.

About Ohio County

Ohio County is located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mingo, Shawnee, and Delaware. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to arrive in the region. As part of the Northwest Territory, Ohio County was established in 1776 and became an important county due to its location along the Ohio River. It was named after the river and later became a vital transportation and industrial center.

Throughout the 19th century, Ohio County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the National Road, the country's first federally funded highway, connected Ohio County to other parts of the nation and spurred economic growth. The county became an important trading and commercial center, with Wheeling, the county seat, becoming the capital of West Virginia during the Civil War.

The oil and gas industry also played a major role in Ohio County's development. The discovery of oil in nearby areas in the late 19th century led to the establishment of many oil refineries in the county. This brought immense wealth and economic prosperity to the region. Ohio County also became known for its steel industry, with several mills operating in the area.

Over the years, Ohio County has faced various challenges and undergone transformations. The decline of the steel industry in the late 20th century had a significant impact on the economy of the county. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and promote tourism, particularly through the development of historic sites and recreational attractions. Today, Ohio County continues to be a vibrant community with a rich history and a promising future.

Ohio County Timeline

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ohio County, West Virginia.

1776: Ohio County is established by the Virginia General Assembly.
1780: Fort Henry is built on the site of present-day Wheeling.
1787: The first courthouse in Ohio County is constructed.
1836: Wheeling officially becomes the county seat of Ohio County.
1852: The B&O Railroad reaches Wheeling, boosting the city's economy.
1861: Wheeling holds the Wheeling Convention, leading to the creation of the new state of West Virginia.
1870: The state capital is temporarily moved from Charleston to Wheeling.
1937: The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, the oldest suspension bridge in the United States, is designated a National Historic Landmark.
1960: The Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation becomes one of the largest steel producers in the country.
1985: The Ohio County Public Library opens its doors.
2003: The Wheeling Casino and Racetrack opens, bringing in new tourism and economic opportunities.