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The Lewis and Clark Expedition

President Jefferson wanted to send a small expedition to explore the Western U.S. Jefferson convinced Congress to allow the expedition; he chose former army captain Mriwether Lewis to lead the journey, who soon chose Lieutenant William Clark as his co-leader. Before leaving for their trip, Lewis had to spend weeks studying with experts about botany, surveying, and other things he would need to know to take good notes on his discoveries. Lewis will pick members who would help them with their exploration; he filled the group with experienced fronteirsmen.

Crossing the Plains

Lewis and Clark traveled up the Missouri river to the lands of the Mandan and Sioux indians. Each time their group encountered a new tribe, Lewis told tribal leaders through interpreters that the United States owned the land that the indians were living on. Sacajawea, the wife of a French fur trader offered to help Lewis and Clark as they crossed the Great Plains. During their expedition, they have also encountered sickness throuought the group, conflicts with other Indians, and natural hazards like storms and raging rivers.