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The Lewis and Clark Expedition

Even before Jefferson was president he was always trying to get a group of explorers for an expedition to the west of the Mississippi River. In January 1803 President Jefferson got congress to fund a small expedition. Lewis and Clark were the two people to go on the expedition and would also pick people to help them on their way. On May 1804, near St. Louis, Lewis and Clark set out on their expedition.

Crossing the Plains

Lewis and Clark traveled up the Missouri River to the Mandan and the Sioux lands. Every time that they met a new tribe they would tell them that the United States now owned their land and would give them presents. The most important help they got was from (Si-caga-waya), who lived in a Mandan camp. Lewis and Clark had journals that described all the people, animals, places, sickness, conflicts, and natural hazards.

To the Pacific and Back

When Lewis and Clark got to the Rocky Mountains they needed help to get over the mountains so they can get to the Pacific. When they befriended an Indian named (Shi-shoni) who lived in the area, they found out that his brother was the tribe’s leader and he helped them get past. They followed the Columbia River to where it emptied into the Pacific. In March 1806 set out on their long trek home.

Pike’s Exploration

When Lewis and Clark were on their expedition to the West in 1805 Zebulon Pike was sent on an expedition to find the starting point of the Red River. Pike may have also had orders to spy on Spanish outposts and forts in the Southwest. Although he had passed into Spanish lands Pike continued following the river when a group of Spanish cavalry arrested him. When he was released, he returned to the United States and reported his trip.