- Who? Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the expedition, with key members including Sacagawea and York.
- What? They set out to explore and map the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, find a practical route across the western half of the continent, and establish an American presence before European powers could claim the land.
- Why? President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition to expand U.S. territory, study the region’s geography, flora, fauna, and Native American tribes, and secure trade routes to the Pacific.
- Where? They began in St. Louis, Missouri, traveled up the Missouri River, crossed the Rocky Mountains, and reached the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River in present-day Oregon.
- When? The expedition departed in May 1804 and returned in September 1806.
- How? They traveled by boat, horseback, and on foot, relying on navigation skills, diplomacy with Native American tribes, and the guidance of Sacagawea; their detailed journals and maps significantly changed the country’s understanding of its western lands.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of lewis and clark map worksheet.
