Lewis and Clark expedition - wikipedia Lewis and Clark expedition For other uses, see Lewis and Clark ( disambiguation ). Route of the expedition The Lewis and Clark Expedition from May 1804 to September 1806, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was the first American expedition to cross what is now the western portion of the United States. It began near St. Louis, made its way westward, and passed through the continental divide to reach the Pacific coast. The Corps of Discovery comprised a selected group of U.S. Army volunteers under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and his close friend, Second Lieutenant William Clark. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 to explore and to map the newly acquired territory, to find a practical route across the western half of the continent, and to establish an American presence in this territory before Britain and other European powers tried to claim it. The campaign 's secondary objectives were scientific and economic : to study the area 's plants, animal life, and geography, and to establish trade with local Native American tribes. With maps, sketches, and journals in hand, the expedition returned to St. Louis to report its findings to Jefferson. Contents 1 Overview 2 Preparations 3 Journey 3.1 Departure 3.2 Pacific Ocean 3.3 Return trip 4 Geography and science 5 Encounters with Native American nations 5.1 Observations 5.2 Sacagawea 6 Accomplishments 7 Aftermath 8 Legacy and honors 9 Prior discoveries 10 See also 11 Notes 12 References 13 Bibliography 13.1 Primary sources 14 Further reading 15 External links Overview According to Thomas Jefferson himself, one goal was to find `` the most direct and practicable water communication across this continent, for the purposes of commerce. '' Jefferson also placed special importance on declaring U.S. sovereignty over the land occupied by the many different tribes of Native Americans along the Missouri River, and getting an accurate sense of the resources in the recently completed Louisiana Purchase. The expedition made notable contributions to science, but scientific research was not the main goal of the mission. During the 19th century, references to Lewis and Clark `` scarcely appeared '' in history books even during the United States Centennial in 1876 and the expedition was largely forgotten. Lewis and Clark began to gain new attention around the start of the 20th century. Both the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, in St. Louis, and the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition, in Portland, Oregon, showcased Lewis and Clark as American pioneers. However, the story remained relatively shallow, a celebration of U.S. conquest and personal adventures, until the mid-century, since which time it has been more thoroughly researched and retold in many forms to a growing audience. In 2004, a complete and reliable set of the expedition 's journals was compiled by Gary E. Moulton. In the 2000s, the bicentennial of the expedition further elevated popular interest in Lewis and Clark. As of 1984, no U.S. exploration party was more famous, and no American expedition leaders are more instantly recognizable by name. Timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Lewis and Clark Expedition May, 1804 -- September, 1806 1804 May 14 : The Corps of Discovery departs from Camp Dubois at 4 p.m., marking the beginning of the voyage to the Pacific coast. May 16 : The Corps of Discovery arrives at St. Charles, Missouri. May 21 : Departure from St. Charles at 3 : 30 p.m. May 24 : Pass Boones Settlement. Home of famous woodsman L. Willenborg. May 25 : The expedition passes the small village of La Charrette on the Missouri River. Charles Floyd writes in his journal that this is `` the last settlement of whites on this river ''. June 1 : The expedition reaches the Osage River. June 12 : Lewis and Clark meet three trappers in two pirogues. One of the men was Pierre Dorion, Jr. -- who knew George Rogers Clark. Lewis and Clark persuade Dorion to return to Sioux camp to act as interpreter. June 26 : The expedition arrives at Kaw Point where the Kansas River drains into the Missouri River basin. June 28 -- 29 : First trial in new territory. Pvt. John Collins is on guard duty and breaks into the supplies and gets drunk. Collins invites Pvt. Hugh Hall to drink also. Collins receives 100 lashes, Hall receives 50 lashes. July 4 : Marking Independence Day, the expedition names Independence Creek located near Atchison, Kansas. July 11 -- 12 : Second trial in new territory. Pvt. Alexander Hamilton Willard is on guard duty. Is charged with lying down and sleeping at his post whilst a sentinel. Punishable by death. He receives 100 lashes for four straight days. July 21 : Reaches the Platte River, 640 miles from St. Louis. Entering Sioux Territory. August 1 : Captain William Clark 's 34th birthday. August 3 : The Corps of Discovery holds the first official council between representatives of the United States and the Oto and Missouri tribes at Council Bluffs, Iowa. They hand out peace medals, 15 - star flags and other gifts, parade men and show off technology. August 4 : Moses Reed said he was returning to a previous camp to retrieve a knife but deserted to St. Louis. August 18 : George Drouillard returns to camp with Reed and Otos ' Chief Little Thief. Reed is sentenced to run the gauntlet ( 500 lashes ) and is discharged from the permanent party. August 18 : Captain Meriwether Lewis 's 30th birthday. August 20 : Sergeant Charles Floyd dies. He dies from bilious chorlick ( ruptured appendix ). He is the only member lost during the expedition. August 23 : Pvt. Joseph Field kills first bison. August 26 : Pvt. Patrick Gass is elected to sergeant. First election in new territory west of Mississippi River. George Shannon is selected to get the horses back from native Americans. August 30 : A friendly council with the Yankton Sioux held. According to a legend, Lewis wraps a newborn baby in a United States flag and declares him `` an American ''. September 4 : Reach the mouth of the Niobrara River. September 7 : The expedition drives a prairie dog out of its den ( by pouring water into it ) to send back to Jefferson. September 14 : Hunters kill and describe prairie goat ( antelope ). September 25 -- 29 : A band of Lakota Sioux demand one of the boats as a toll for moving further upriver. Meet with Teton Sioux. Close order drill, air gun demo, gifts of medals, military coat, hats, tobacco. Hard to communicate language problems. Invite chiefs on board keelboat, give each ​ ⁄ glass whiskey, acted drunk wanted more. Two armed confrontations with Sioux. Some of the chiefs sleep on boat, move up river to another village, meet in lodge, hold scalp dance. October 8 -- 11 : Pass Grand River home of the Arikara people, 2,000 +. Joseph Gravelins trader, lived with Arikara for 13 yrs. Pierre Antoine Tabeau lived in another village was from Quebec. October 13 : Pvt. John Newman tried for insubordination ( who was prompted by Reed ) and received 75 lashes. Newman was discarded from the permanent party. October 24 : Met their first Mandan Chief, Big White. Joseph Gravelins acted as interpreter. October 24 : Expedition reaches the earth - log villages of the Mandans and the Hidatsas. The captains decide to build Fort Mandan across the river from the main village. October 26 : Rene Jessaume lived with Mandan for more than a decade, hired as Mandan interpreter. Hugh McCracken a trader with the North West Company. Francois - Antoine Larocque, Charles MacKenzie also visited L&C. November -- December : Constructed Fort Mandan. November 2 : Hired Baptiste La Page to replace Newman. November 4 : The captains meet Toussaint Charbonneau, a French - Canadian fur trapper living among the Hidatsas with his two Shoshone wives, Sacagawea and Little Otter. December 24 : Fort Mandan is considered complete. Expedition moves in for the winter season. 1805 January 1 : The Corps of Discovery celebrates the New Year by `` Two discharges of cannon and Musick -- a fiddle, tambereen and a sounden horn. '' February 9 : Thomas Howard scaled the fort wall and a native American followed his example. `` Setting a pernicious example to the savages '' 50 lashes -- only trial at Fort Mandan and last on expedition. Lashes remitted by Lewis. February 11 : Sacagawea gives birth to Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the youngest member of the expedition. Jean Baptiste is nicknamed `` Pompy '' by Clark. Lewis aided in the delivery of Sacagawea 's baby, used rattle of rattlesnake to aid delivery ( Jessaume 's idea ). April 7 -- 25 : Fort Mandan to Yellowstone River. April 7 : The permanent party of the Corps of Discovery leaves Fort Mandan. The keelboat is sent down river. Left Fort Mandan in six canoes and two pirogues. Thomas Howard received a letter from his wife Natalia. April 25 : Reached Yellowstone River Roche Jaune -- sent Joseph Field up river to find Yellowstone. He saw Big Horn Sheep and brought back horns. Lewis searched area thought it would be a good area for fort. Future forts were built, Fort Union and Fort Buford. May 14 : A sudden storm tips a pirogue ( boat ) and many items, such as supplies and the Corps ' journals, spill over into the river. Sacagawea calmly recovers most of the items ; Clark later credits her with quick thinking. April 25 -- June 3 : Yellowstone River to Marias River. April 27 : Entered present day state of Montana. May 5 : Lewis and a hunter killed first grizzly bear. May 8 : Milk river. Called because of its milky white appearance. Natives called it `` a river which scolds all others ''. June 3 -- 20 : Marias River to the Great Falls. June 3 : The mouth of the Marias River is reached. Camp Deposit is established. Cached blacksmith bellows and tools, bear skins, axes, auger, files, two kegs of parched corn, two kegs of pork, a keg of salt, chisels, tin cups, two rifles, beaver traps. Twenty - four lb of powder in lead kegs in separate caches. Hid red pirogue. Natives did not tell them of this river. Unable to immediately determine which river is the Missouri, a scouting party is sent to explore each branch, North fork ( Marias ), South fork ( Missouri ). Sgt. Gass and two others go up south fork. Sgt. Pryor and two others go up north fork. Ca n't decide which river is Missouri. Clark, Gass, Shannon, York and Fields brothers go up south fork. Lewis, Drouillard, Shields, Windsor Pryor, Cruzatte, Lepage go up north fork. Most men in expedition believe north fork is the Missouri. Lewis and Clark believe south fork is Missouri and followed that fork. June 13 : Scouting ahead of the expedition, Lewis and four companions sight the Great Falls of the Missouri River, confirming that they were heading in the right direction. Lewis writes when he discovers the Great Falls of the Missouri. `` When my ears were saluted with the agreeable sound of a fall of water and advancing a little further I saw the spray arrise above the plain like a column of smoke... began to make a roaring too tremendous to be mistaken for any cause short of the great falls of the Missouri. '' June 14 : Lewis takes off on an exploratory walk of the north side of the river. Lewis shoots a bison. While he is watching the bison die, a grizzly bear sneaks up on him and chases him into river. June 21 -- July 2 : A portage of boats and equipment is made around the falls. June 27 : Cached : desk, books, specimens of plants and minerals, two kegs of pork, ​ ⁄ keg of flour, two blunderbusses, ​ ⁄ keg of fixed ammo, and other small articles. June : 18.4 miles Clark surveyed route. Clark was the first white man to see falls from south side of river. As Clark was surveying route he discovered a giant fountain ( Giant Springs ). June 22 -- July 9 : Construction of iron framed boat used to replace pirogues. It was floated on July 9 but leaked after a rain storm. The boat failed and was dismantled and cached July 10. July 10 -- 15 : Established canoe camp to construct 2 new dugout canoes to replace failed iron frame boat. July 15 -- August 8 : Great Falls to the Shoshone. Left canoe camp with eight vessels traveled through the Gates of the Mountains, to the Three Forks ( the three rivers that make up the Missouri River, the Jefferson River, the Gallatin River and the Madison River ). The expedition is 2464.4 miles from mouth of the Missouri River. They pass Beaverhead Rock. August 1 : Captain Clark 's 35th birthday. August 11 : Captain Lewis sights first native American since Ft. Mandan. August 12 : Scouting separately from the main party, Lewis crosses the Continental Divide at Lemhi Pass. August 13 : Lewis meets Cameahwait, leader of a band of Shoshone August 15 -- 17 : Lewis returns across Lemhi Pass with Cameahwait and sets up Camp Fortunate. August 17 : A council meets with the Shoshone, during which Sacagawea learns the fate of her family and reveals that Cameahwait is her brother. Lewis and Clark successfully negotiate for horses for passage over the Rocky Mountains. They buy 29 horses for packing or eating with uniforms, rifles, powder, balls, and a pistol. They also hire Shoshone guide Old Toby. August 18 : Captain Lewis 's 31st birthday. In his journal, he scolds himself for being `` indolent '', or lazy, and vows to spend the rest of his life helping people. August 26 : Lewis and the main party cross the Continental Divide at Lemhi Pass. They thereby leave the newly purchased United States territory into disputed Oregon Country. September 1 -- October 6 : Crossing the Bitterroot Mountains. September 4 : Meet Salish ( `` Flathead Indians '' ) at Ross 's Hole, bought 13 more horses. September 9 -- 11 : Camped at Traveler 's Rest ( Lolo, Montana ), now a National Historic Landmark. September 13 : Crossed Lolo Trail starving, ate horses, candles, and portable soup. October 6 -- 9 : Met Nez Perce tribe on Clearwater. Left horses, cached goods, built five dugout canoes for trip to ocean. October 9 -- December 7 : Traveled down Clearwater River, Snake River and Columbia River to ocean. October 18 : Clark sees Mount Hood, which means they are now back in previously explored territory. October 25 -- 28 : Camped at the Rock Fort, and first met the Chinookan - speaking people of the lower Columbia. November 7 : Clark wrote in his journal, `` Ocian ( ocean ) in view ! O ! the joy. '' November 20 : Encounter of the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River. November 24 : The Corps takes the matter of where to spend the winter to a vote. York, a slave, and Sacagawea, a woman, were allowed to vote. It was decided to camp on the south side of the Columbia River. December 7 -- March 23, 1806 : Fort Clatsop sewed 338 pairs of moccasins. December 25 : Fort Clatsop, the Corps ' winter residence, is completed. 1806 January 1 : Discharged a volley of small arms to usher in the new year. Several Corps members build a salt - making cairn near present - day Seaside, Oregon. Return Trip March 22 : Corps of Discovery leave Fort Clatsop for the return voyage east. March 23 -- May 14 : Traveled to Camp Chopunnish. April 11 : Lewis ' dog was stolen by natives and retrieved shortly. Lewis warned the chief that any other wrongdoing or mischievous acts would result in instant death. May 14 -- June 10 : Camp Chopunnish collected 65 horses. Prepared for crossing mountains. Bitterroot Mountains still covered in snow ; can not cross. June 10 -- 30 : Traveled to Traveler 's Rest ( Lolo, Montana ) via Lolo Creek. Three hundred miles shorter than westward journey. Seventeen horses and five Nez Perce guides. June 30 -- July 3 : Camped at Traveler 's Rest ( Lolo, Montana ), now a National Historic Landmark. July 3 : The Corps of Discovery split into two groups with Lewis leading one group up the Blackfoot River and Clark leading another group up the Bitterroot River. July 3 -- 28 : Lewis 's party heads back to the Great Falls of the Missouri. Sgt. Gass, J. Thompson, H. McNeal, R. Field, R. Frazier, J. Fields, W. Werner, G. Drouillard, S. Goodrich. July 7 : Lewis ' group crosses the Continental Divide at Lewis and Clark Pass. July 13 : Reached White Bear Island. Opened cache and many items were ruined. The iron frame of the boat had not suffered materially. July 15 : Lewis explores Marias river, separates from Gass to meet at Mouth of Marias between Aug. 5 and no later than Sept 1. Marias River expedition includes M. Lewis, R. Fields, J. Fields, G. Drouillard. July 15 -- 26 : Camp Disappointment. Marias River does not go far enough north. Natives finally discovered. July 20 : Sgt. Ordway 's party ( from Clark 's party ) meets Sgt. Gass 's party at the Great Falls of the Missouri. July 27 : Piikani Nation tribe members ( `` Blackfeet '' ) try to steal Lewis 's group 's rifles. A fight broke out and two natives Americans were killed in the only hostile and violent encounter with a tribe. July 28 : Lewis meets Ordway and Gass. July 3 : Clark explores Yellowstone -- leaves for Three Forks and Yellowstone. Sgt. Pryor, G. Gibson, H. Hall, R. Windsor. Sgt. Ordway, J. Colter, J. Colter, P. Cruzatte, F. LaBiche, T. Howard, J. Shields, B. LaPage, G. Shannon, J. Potts, W. Brattan, P. Wiser, P. Willard, J. Whitehouse, T. Charboneau, Sacagawea & Pomp, York. July 6 : Clark 's group crosses the Continental Divide at Gibbons Pass. July 8 : Reached Camp Fortunate dug up cache from year before -- tobacco most prized. July 13 : Sgt. Ordway splits from Clark to travel up Missouri River to meet Lewis and Gass. July 25 : Clark discovers and writes on Pompey 's Pillar. August 1 : Capt. Clark 's 36th birthday. August 3 : Clark arrives at confluence of Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers -- moves down river because of mosquitoes. August 8 : Pryor and party reached Clark. Pryor and party ( Sgt. Pryor, G. Gibson, H. Hall, R. Windsor ) left Clark with horses and a letter to Hugh Henry to get Sioux to go to Washington and make peace with other natives. Horses stolen, had to make bull boats to get across and down river. August 11 : Lewis is accidentally shot by a member of his own party. August 12 : The two groups rejoin on the Missouri River in present - day North Dakota. August 18 : Capt. Lewis 's 32nd birthday. August 14 : Reached Mandan Village. Charbonneau and Sacagawea stayed. John Colter went back up river with trappers Hancock and Dickson provided rest of company stay with expedition all the way to St. Louis. September 23 : The Corps arrives in St. Louis, ending their journey after two years, four months, and ten days. Preparations Meriwether Lewis and William Clark For years, Jefferson had heard of and read accounts of the various ventures of other explorers in parts of the western frontier and consequently had a long - held interest in further exploring this largely still unknown region of the continent. In the 1780s, while Minister to France, Jefferson met John Ledyard in Paris and discussed a proposed trip to the Pacific Northwest. Jefferson had also read Captain James Cook 's A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean ( London, 1784 ), an account of Cook 's third voyage, and Le Page du Pratz 's The History of Louisiana ( London, 1763 ), all of which greatly influenced his decision to send an expedition. Like Captain Cook, Jefferson also wished to discover a practical route through the Northwest to the Pacific coast. Alexander Mackenzie had already charted a route in his quest for the Pacific, first following the later - named Mackenzie River to the Arctic Ocean in 1789. Mackenzie and his party then became the first on record to cross America north of Mexico to the Pacific, when he arrived near Bella Coola in 1793 -- a dozen years before Lewis and Clark. Mackenzie 's accounts in Voyages from Montreal ( 1801 ) informed Jefferson ( who read the book at Monticello in 1802 ) of Britain 's intent to control the lucrative fur trade of the Columbia River, and convinced him of the importance of securing the territory as soon as possible. Two years into his presidency, Jefferson asked Congress to fund an expedition through the Louisiana territory to the Pacific Ocean. He did not attempt to hide the Lewis and Clark expedition itself from Spanish, French, and British officials, but rather claimed different reasons for the venture. He used a secret message to ask for funding due to poor relations with the opposition party in Congress. In 1803, Jefferson commissioned the Corps of Discovery, and named U.S. Army Captain Meriwether Lewis its leader, who in turn selected William Clark as second in command. Lewis demonstrated remarkable skills and potential as a frontiersman. As the expedition was gaining approval and funding, Jefferson made efforts to prepare him for the long journey ahead. Jefferson chose Lewis to lead the expedition rather than a `` qualified scientist '' because, `` It was impossible to find a character who to a complete science in botany, natural history, mineralogy & astronomy, joined the firmness of constitution & character, prudence, habits adapted to the woods & a familiarity with the Indian manners and character, requisite for this undertaking. All the latter qualifications Capt. Lewis has. '' In 1803, Jefferson sent Lewis to Philadelphia to study medicinal cures under Benjamin Rush, a physician and humanitarian. Jefferson also arranged for Lewis to be further educated by Andrew Ellicott, an astronomer who instructed him in the use of the sextant and other navigational instruments. Lewis, however, was not ignorant of science and had demonstrated to Jefferson a marked capacity to learn, especially with Jefferson as his teacher. At Monticello, Jefferson possessed the largest library in the world on the subject of the geography of the North American continent, and Lewis had full access to that library. Lewis spent time consulting maps and books and conferring with Jefferson at Jefferson 's library in Monticello. Lewis and Clark met near Louisville, Kentucky, in October 1803 at the Falls of the Ohio and before departing later in the month, the core `` Nine Young Men '' were enlisted into the Corps of Discovery. Their goals were to explore the vast territory acquired by the Louisiana Purchase and to establish trade and U.S. sovereignty over the native peoples along the Missouri River. Jefferson also wanted to establish a U.S. claim of `` Discovery '' to the Pacific Northwest and Oregon territory by documenting an American presence there before Europeans could claim the land. According to some historians, Jefferson understood he would have a better claim of ownership to the Pacific Northwest if the team gathered scientific data on animals and plants. However, his main objectives were centered around finding an all - water route to the Pacific coast and commerce. Before their departure, Jefferson 's instructions to them stated : The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri River, & such principle stream of it, as, by its course and communication with the waters of the Pacific ocean, whether the Columbia, Oregon, Colorado or any other river may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent for the purpose of commerce. The U.S. mint prepared special silver medals with a portrait of Jefferson and inscribed with a message of friendship and peace, called Indian Peace Medals. The soldiers were to distribute them to the nations they met. These symbolized U.S. sovereignty over the indigenous inhabitants. The expedition also prepared advanced weapons to display their military firepower. Among these was an Austrian - made. 46 caliber Girandoni air rifle, a repeating rifle with a 20 - round tubular magazine that was powerful enough to kill a deer. The expedition was prepared with sufficient black powder and lead for their flintlock firearms, knives, blacksmithing supplies, and cartography equipment. They also carried flags, gift bundles, medicine, and other items they would need for their journey. Much time went into ensuring a sufficient supply of these items. The route of Lewis and Clark 's expedition took them up the Missouri River to its headwaters, then on to the Pacific Ocean via the Columbia River, and may have been influenced by the purported transcontinental journey of Moncacht - Apé by the same route about a century before. Jefferson had a copy of Le Page 's book detailing Moncacht - Apé 's itinerary in his library, and Lewis carried a copy with him during the expedition. Le Page 's description of Moncacht - Apé 's route across the continent, which neglects to mention the need to cross the Rocky Mountains, may be the source of Lewis and Clark 's mistaken belief that they could easily carry boats from the Missouri 's headwaters to the westward - flowing Columbia. The historian John L. Loos of Louisiana State University wrote William Clark 's Part in the Preparation of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, a 511 - page manuscript published in 1954 by the Missouri Historical Society. Journey Corps of Discovery meet Chinooks on the Lower Columbia, October 1805 ( Charles Marion Russel, c. 1905 ) Thirty - three people, including 29 participants in training at the 1803 -- 1804 Camp Dubois ( Camp Wood ) winter staging area, then in the Indiana Territory, were near present - day Wood River, Illinois, on the east bank of the Mississippi. In March 1804, the Spanish in New Mexico learned from U.S. General James Wilkinson, later discovered to be a paid agent of the Spanish crown, that the Americans were encroaching on territory claimed by Spain. On August 1, they sent four armed expeditions of 52 soldiers, mercenaries, and Indians from Santa Fe northward under Pedro Vial and José Jarvet, to intercept Lewis and Clark and imprison the entire expedition. When they reached the Pawnee settlement on the Platte River in central Nebraska, they learned that the expedition had been there many days before, but because the expedition at that point was covering 70 to 80 miles ( 110 to 130 km ) a day, Vial 's attempt to intercept them was unsuccessful. Departure The Corps of Discovery departed from Camp Dubois at 4 pm on May 14, 1804, and met up with Lewis in St. Charles, Missouri, a short time later, marking the beginning of the voyage to the Pacific coast. The Corps followed the Missouri River westward. Soon, they passed La Charrette, the last Euro - American settlement on the Missouri River. The expedition followed the Missouri through what is now Kansas City, Missouri, and Omaha, Nebraska. On August 20, 1804, Sergeant Charles Floyd died, apparently from acute appendicitis. He had been among the first to sign up with the Corps of Discovery and was the only member to die during the expedition. He was buried at a bluff by the river, now named after him, in what is now Sioux City, Iowa. His burial site was marked with a cedar post on which was inscribed his name and day of death. 1 mile ( 2 km ) up the river, the expedition camped at a small river which they named Floyd 's River. During the final week of August, Lewis and Clark reached the edge of the Great Plains, a place abounding with elk, deer, bison, and beavers. The Lewis and Clark Expedition established relations with two dozen Indian nations, without whose help the expedition would have risked starvation during the harsh winters and / or become hopelessly lost in the vast ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The Americans and the Lakota nation ( whom the Americans called Sioux or `` Teton - wan Sioux '' ) had problems when they met, and there was a concern the two sides might fight. According to Harry W. Fritz, `` All earlier Missouri River travelers had warned of this powerful and aggressive tribe, determined to block free trade on the river... The Sioux were also expecting a retaliatory raid from the Omaha Indians, to the south. A recent Sioux raid had killed 75 Omaha men, burned 40 lodges, and taken four dozen prisoners. '' One of their horses disappeared, and they believed the Sioux were responsible. Afterward, the two sides met and there was a disagreement, and the Sioux asked the men to stay or to give more gifts instead before being allowed to pass through their territory. They came close to fighting several times, and both sides finally backed down and the expedition continued on to Arikara territory. Clark wrote they were `` warlike '' and were the `` vilest miscreants of the savage race ''. In the winter of 1804 -- 05, the party built Fort Mandan, near present - day Washburn, North Dakota. Just before departing on April 7, 1805, the expedition sent the keelboat back to St. Louis with a sample of specimens, some never seen before east of the Mississippi. One chief asked Lewis and Clark to provide a boat for passage through their national territory. As tensions increased, Lewis and Clark prepared to fight, but the two sides fell back in the end. The Americans quickly continued westward ( upriver ), and camped for the winter in the Mandan nation 's territory. After the expedition had set up camp, nearby Indians came to visit in fair numbers, some staying all night. For several days, Lewis and Clark met in council with Mandan chiefs. Here they met a French - Canadian fur trapper named Toussaint Charbonneau, and his young Shoshone wife Sacagawea. Charbonneau at this time began to serve as the expedition 's translator. Peace was established between the expedition and the Mandan chiefs with the sharing of a Mandan ceremonial pipe. By April 25, Captain Lewis wrote his progress report of the expedition 's activities and observations of the Indian nations they have encountered to date : A Statistical view of the Indian nations inhabiting the Territory of Louisiana, which outlined the names of various tribes, their locations, trading practices, and water routes used, among other things. President Jefferson would later present this report to Congress. They followed the Missouri to its headwaters, and over the Continental Divide at Lemhi Pass. In canoes, they descended the mountains by the Clearwater River, the Snake River, and the Columbia River, past Celilo Falls, and past what is now Portland, Oregon, at the meeting of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Lewis and Clark used William Robert Broughton 's 1792 notes and maps to orient themselves once they reached the lower Columbia River. The sighting of Mount Hood and other stratovolcanos confirmed that the expedition had almost reached the Pacific Ocean. Reconstruction of Fort Mandan, Lewis and Clark Memorial Park, North Dakota Pacific Ocean The expedition sighted the Pacific Ocean for the first time on November 7, 1805, arriving two weeks later. The expedition faced its second bitter winter camped on the north side of the Columbia River, in a storm - wracked area. Lack of food was a major factor. The elk, the party 's main source of food, had retreated from their usual haunts into the mountains, and the party was now too poor to purchase enough food from neighboring tribes. On November 24, 1805, the party voted to move their camp to the south side of the Columbia River near modern Astoria, Oregon. Sacagawea, and Clark 's slave York, were both allowed to participate in the vote, so this may have been the first time in American history where a woman and a slave were allowed to vote. On the south side of the Columbia River, 2 miles ( 3 km ) upstream on the west side of the Netul River ( now Lewis and Clark River ), they constructed Fort Clatsop. They did this not just for shelter and protection, but also to officially establish the American presence there, with the American flag flying over the fort. During the winter at Fort Clatsop, Lewis committed himself to writing. He filled many pages of his journals with valuable knowledge, mostly about botany, because of the abundant growth and forests that covered that part of the continent. The health of the men also became a problem, with many suffering from colds and influenza. Return trip Lewis was determined to remain at the fort until April 1, but was still anxious to move out at the earliest opportunity. By March 22, the stormy weather had subsided and the following morning, on March 23, 1806, the journey home began. The Corps began their journey homeward using canoes to ascend the Columbia River, and later by trekking over land. They made their way to Camp Chopunnish in Idaho, along the north bank of the Clearwater River, where the members of the expedition collected 65 horses in preparation to cross the Bitterroot Mountains, lying between modern - day Idaho and western Montana. However, the range was still covered in snow, which prevented the expedition from making the crossing. On April 11, while the Corps was waiting for the snow to diminish, Lewis ' dog, Seaman, was stolen by Indians, but was retrieved shortly. Worried that other such acts might follow, Lewis warned the chief that any other wrongdoing or mischievous acts would result in instant death. On July 3, before crossing the Continental Divide, the Corps split into two teams so Lewis could explore the Marias River. Lewis ' group of four met some men from the Blackfeet nation. During the night, the Blackfeet tried to steal their weapons. In the struggle, the soldiers killed two Blackfeet men. Lewis, George Drouillard, and the Field brothers fled over 100 miles ( 160 kilometres ) in a day before they camped again. Meanwhile, Clark had entered the Crow tribe 's territory. In the night, half of Clark 's horses disappeared, but not a single Crow had been seen. Lewis and Clark stayed separated until they reached the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers on August 11. As the groups reunited, one of Clark 's hunters, Pierre Cruzatte, mistook Lewis for an elk and fired, injuring Lewis in the thigh. Once together, the Corps was able to return home quickly via the Missouri River. They reached St. Louis on September 23, 1806. Geography and science Further information : List of species described by the Lewis and Clark Expedition Map of Lewis and Clark 's expedition : It changed mapping of northwest America by providing the first accurate depiction of the relationship of the sources of the Columbia and Missouri Rivers, and the Rocky Mountains around 1814 The Lewis and Clark Expedition gained an understanding of the geography of the Northwest and produced the first accurate maps of the area. During the journey, Lewis and Clark drew about 140 maps. Stephen Ambrose says the expedition `` filled in the main outlines '' of the area. The expedition documented natural resources and plants that had been previously unknown to Euro - Americans, though not to the indigenous peoples. Lewis and Clark were the first Americans to cross the Continental Divide, and the first Americans to see Yellowstone, enter into Montana, and produce an official description of these different regions. Their visit to the Pacific Northwest, maps, and proclamations of sovereignty with medals and flags were legal steps needed to claim title to each indigenous nation 's lands under the Doctrine of Discovery. The expedition was sponsored by the American Philosophical Society ( APS ). Lewis and Clark received some instruction in astronomy, botany, climatology, ethnology, geography, meteorology, mineralogy, ornithology, and zoology. During the expedition, they made contact with over 70 Native American tribes and described more than 200 new plant and animal species. Jefferson had the expedition declare `` sovereignty '' and demonstrate their military strength to ensure native tribes would be subordinate to the U.S., as European colonizers did elsewhere. After the expedition, the maps that were produced allowed the further discovery and settlement of this vast territory in the years that followed. In 1807, Patrick Gass, a private in the U.S. Army, published an account of the journey. He was promoted to sergeant during the course of the expedition. Paul Allen edited a two - volume history of the Lewis and Clark expedition that was published in 1814, in Philadelphia, but without mention of the actual author, banker Nicholas Biddle. Even then, the complete report was not made public until more recently. The earliest authorized edition of the Lewis and Clark journals resides in the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library at the University of Montana. Encounters with native American nations One of the primary objectives of the expedition as directed by President Jefferson was to observe and record the whereabouts, lives, activities, and cultures of the various American Indian tribes that inhabited the newly acquired territory and the northwest in general. The expedition encountered many different tribes along the way, many of whom offered their assistance, providing the expedition with their knowledge of the wilderness and with the acquisition of food. Along with the standard provisions of weapons, powder, tools, and cooking utensils, the expedition also had blank leather - bound journals and ink for the purpose of recording such encounters, as well as for scientific and geological information. They were also provided with various gifts of medals, ribbons, needles, mirrors and other artifacts which were intended to ease any tensions when negotiating their passage with the various Indian chiefs they would encounter along their way. As many of the tribes had had previous friendly experiences with British and French fur traders in various isolated encounters along the Missouri and Columbia Rivers, the expedition subsequently did not encounter any hostilities with the exception of the Teton - Sioux tribe under Black Buffalo and the Partisan tribe on September 25, 1804. Both of these tribes were rivals and hoped to use the expedition to their own advantage and who both demanded tribute from the expedition for their passage over the river at that particular juncture. Captain Lewis made his first mistake by offering the Sioux chief gifts first, which insulted and angered the Partisan chief. Communication was difficult since the expedition 's only Sioux interpreter, Pierre Dorion, had stayed behind with the other party and was also involved with diplomatic affairs with another tribe. Consequently, both chiefs were offered a few gifts, but neither was satisfied. At that point, some of the warriors from the Partisan tribe then took hold of their boat and one of the oars. Lewis took a firm stand, ordering a display of force, presenting arms ; Captain Clark, by gesture of brandishing his sword, threatened violent reprisal. Just before the situation erupted into a violent confrontation, Black Buffalo ordered his warriors to back off. After the ensuing diplomacy and with the aid of better gifts and now a bottle of whiskey, of which some was consumed, the captains were able to negotiate their passage through without further incident. During the next two days, the expedition made camp not far from Black Buffalo 's tribe. When they attempted to leave, other similar incidents occurred, but they were averted with still more gifts, this time, of tobacco. Observations As the expedition encountered the various American Indian tribes during the course of their journey they observed and recorded information regarding their lifestyles, customs and the social codes they lived by, as directed by President Jefferson. By western standards the Indian way of life seemed harsh and unforgiving as witnessed by members of the expedition. After many encounters and camping in close proximity to the Indian nations for extended periods of time during the winter months they soon learned first hand of their customs and social orders. One of the primary customs that distinguished Indian cultures from those of the West was that it was customary for the men to take on two or more wives if they were able to provide for them and often took on a wife or wives who were members of the immediate family circle. e.g. men in the Minnetaree and Mandan tribes would often take on a sister for a wife. Chastity among women was not held in high regard. Infant daughters were often sold by the father to men who were grown, usually for horses or mules. They learned that women in Sioux nations were often bartered away for horses or other supplies, yet this was not practiced among the Shoshone nation who held their women in higher regard. They witnessed that many of the Indian nations were constantly at war with other tribes, especially the Sioux, who, while remaining generally friendly to the white fur traders, had proudly boasted and justified the almost complete destruction of the once great Cahokia nation, along with the Missouris, Illinois, Kaskaskia, and Piorias tribes that lived about the countryside adjacent to the upper Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Sacagawea Statue of Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition Sacagawea, sometimes called Sakajawea or Sakagawea ( c. 1788 -- December 20, 1812 ), was a Shoshone Indian woman who arrived with her husband Toussaint Charbonneau on the expedition to the Pacific Ocean. On February 11, 1805, a few weeks after her first contact with the expedition, Sacagawea went into labor which was slow and painful, so the Frenchman Charbonneau suggested she be given a potion of rattlesnake 's rattle to aid in her delivery. Lewis happened to have some snake 's rattle with him. A short time after administering the potion, she delivered a healthy boy who was given the name Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. When the expedition reached Marias River, on June 16, 1805, Sacagawea became dangerously ill. She was able to find some relief by drinking mineral water from the sulphur spring that fed into the river. Though she has been discussed in literature frequently, much of the information is exaggeration or fiction. Scholars say she did notice some geographical features, but `` Sacagawea... was not the guide for the Expedition, she was important to them as an interpreter and in other ways. '' The sight of a woman and her infant son would have been reassuring to some indigenous nations, and she played an important role in diplomatic relations by talking to chiefs, easing tensions, and giving the impression of a peaceful mission. In his writings, Meriwether Lewis presented a somewhat negative view of her, though Clark had a higher regard for her, and provided some support for her children in subsequent years. In the journals, they used the terms `` squar '' and `` savages '' to refer to Sacagawea and other indigenous peoples. Accomplishments The Corps met their objective of reaching the Pacific, mapping and establishing their presence for a legal claim to the land. They established diplomatic relations and trade with at least two dozen indigenous nations. They did not find a continuous waterway to the Pacific Ocean but located an Indian trail that led from the upper end of the Missouri River to the Columbia River which ran to the Pacific Ocean. They gained information about the natural habitat, flora and fauna, bringing back various plant, seed and mineral specimens. They mapped the topography of the land, designating the location of mountain ranges, rivers and the many Indian tribes during the course of their journey. They also learned and recorded much about the language and customs of the American Indian tribes they encountered, and brought back many of their artifacts, including bows, clothing and ceremonial robes. Aftermath Two months passed after the expedition 's end before Jefferson made his first public statement to Congress and others, giving a one - sentence summary about the success of the expedition before getting into the justification for the expenses involved. In the course of their journey, they acquired a knowledge of numerous tribes of Indians hitherto unknown ; they informed themselves of the trade which may be carried on with them, the best channels and positions for it, and they are enabled to give with accuracy the geography of the line they pursued. Back east, the botanical and zoological discoveries drew the intense interest of the American Philosophical Society who requested specimens, various artifacts traded with the Indians, and reports on plants and wildlife along with various seeds obtained. Jefferson used seeds from `` Missouri hominy corn '' along with a number of other unidentified seeds to plant at Monticello which he cultivated and studied. He later reported on the `` Indian corn '' he had grown as being an `` excellent '' food source. The expedition helped establish the U.S. presence in the newly acquired territory and beyond and opened the door to further exploration, trade and scientific discoveries. Legacy and honors Since the expedition, Lewis and Clark have been commemorated and honored over the years on various coins, currency, and commemorative postage stamps, as well as in a number of other capacities. Lewis and Clark Expedition, 2004 200th Anniversary issue U.S. postage stamp commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Expedition Lewis and Clark Expedition 150th anniversary issue, 1954 Lewis & Clark were honored ( along with the American bison ) on the Series of 1901 $10 Legal Tender Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Cape Disappointment State Park Prior discoveries See also : Timeline of European exploration In 1682, René - Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle went down the Mississippi from the Great Lakes to the Gulf. The French then established a chain of posts along the Mississippi from New Orleans to the Great Lakes. There followed a number of French explorers including Pedro Vial and Pierre Antoine and Paul Mallet, among others. Vial may have preceded Lewis and Clark to Montana. In 1787, he gave a map of the upper Missouri River and locations of `` territories transited by Pedro Vial '' to Spanish authorities. Early in 1792, the American explorer Robert Gray, sailing in the Columbia Rediviva, discovered the yet to be named Columbia River, named it after his ship and claimed it for the United States. Later in 1792, the Vancouver Expedition had learned of Gray 's discovery and used his maps. Vancouver 's expedition explored over 100 miles ( 160 km ) up the Columbia, into the Columbia River Gorge. Lewis and Clark used the maps produced by these expeditions when they descended the lower Columbia to the Pacific coast. From 1792 -- 93 Alexander Mackenzie had crossed North America from Quebec to the Pacific. See also North America portal Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lewis and Clark Trail. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Red River Expedition ( 1806 ) and the Pike Expedition were also commissioned by Jefferson Jefferson National Expansion Memorial The Far Horizons, a movie of the expedition York ( explorer ) -- the slave on the expedition Lewis and Clark Pass ( Montana ) -- the only non-motorized pass on the expedition 's route Notes Jump up ^ It was not discovered that Wilkinson was a spy until after his death in 1825 Jump up ^ ' Chopunnish ' was the Captain 's term for the Nez Perce Pass Jump up ^ An anomaly of some proportion is the fact that the 1814 account, now commonly referred to as the Biddle edition, carried no mention of Biddle anywhere... The only logical explanation of this incredible omission is that Biddle wanted it that way, insisted on complete anonymity. Jump up ^ Commonly referred to in folk lore and various history texts as ' Crazy Horse '. Jump up ^ aka the Hidatsa References Jump up ^ Woodger, Toropov, 2009 p. 150 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996, Chap. VI Jump up ^ Miller, 2006 p. 108 Jump up ^ Fenelon & Wilson, 2006 pp. 90 -- 91 ^ Jump up to : Lavender, 2001 pp. 32, 90 Jump up ^ Ronda, 1984 pp. 82, 192 Jump up ^ Fritz, 2004 p. 113 Jump up ^ Ronda, 1984 p. 9 ^ Jump up to : Ronda, 1984 pp. 327 -- 328 ^ Jump up to : Fresonke & Spence, 2004 pp. 159 -- 162 Jump up ^ Moulton, 2004 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 480 Jump up ^ Saindon, 2003 pp.vi, 1040 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 69 Jump up ^ Gray, 2004 p. 358 Jump up ^ DeVoto, 1997 p. xxix Jump up ^ Schwantes, 1996 pp. 54 -- 55 Jump up ^ Rodriguez, 2002 p. xxiv Jump up ^ Furtwangler, 1993 p. 19 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 83 Jump up ^ Bergon, 2003, p. xiv Jump up ^ Woodger & Toropov, 2009 p. 270 Jump up ^ `` Lewis and Clark Expedition ''. Jump up ^ Gass & MacGregor, 1807 p. 7 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 pp. 79, 89 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 13 Jump up ^ Homser, James Kendall, 1903 p. 1 Jump up ^ Kleber, 2001 pp. 509 -- 510 Jump up ^ Fritz, 2004 pp. 1 -- 5 Jump up ^ Ronda, 1984 p. 32 Jump up ^ Miller, 2006 pp. 99 -- 100, 111 Jump up ^ Bennett, 2002 p. 4 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 94 ^ Jump up to : Saindon, 2003 pp. 551 -- 552 ^ Jump up to : Miller, 2006 p. 106 Jump up ^ Woodger, Toropov, 2009 pp. 104, 265, 271 Jump up ^ Lavender, 2001 pp. 30 -- 31 Jump up ^ John L. Loos, William Clark 's Part in the Preparation of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Missouri Historical Society. Retrieved October 3, 2011. Jump up ^ Uldrich, 2004 p. 82 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 402 Jump up ^ Peters 1996, pp. 16. Jump up ^ Allen, Lewis & Clark, Vol. 1, 1916 pp. 26 -- 27 Jump up ^ Woodger & Toropov, 2009 p. 142 Jump up ^ Coues, Lewis, Clark, Jefferson 1893, Vol. 1 p. 79 Jump up ^ Fritz, 2004 p. 13 Jump up ^ Fritz, 2004 p. 14 Jump up ^ Fritz, 2004 pp. 14 -- 15 ^ Jump up to : Ambrose, 1996 p. 170 Jump up ^ Ronda, 1984 pp. 27, 40 Jump up ^ Lavender, 2001 p. 181 Jump up ^ Peters 1996, pp. 20 - 22. Jump up ^ Clark & Edmonds, 1983 p. 12 Jump up ^ Allen, Lewis & Clark, Vol. 1, 1916 pp. 81 -- 82 Jump up ^ Elin Woodger ; Brandon Toropov ( January 1, 2009 ). Encyclopedia of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Infobase Publishing. pp. 244 -- 245. ISBN 978 - 1 - 4381 - 1023 - 3. Retrieved August 28, 2013. ^ Jump up to : History & Culture - Lewis and Clark National Historical Park ( U.S. National Park Service ) Jump up ^ `` Lewis and Clark, Journey Leg 13, ' Ocian in View ! ', October 08 - December 07, 1805 ''. National Geographic Society. 1996. Retrieved October 22, 2016. ^ Jump up to : Ambrose, 1996 p. 326 Jump up ^ Clark & Edmonds, 1983 pp. 51 -- 52 Jump up ^ Harris, Buckley, 2012, p. 109 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 330 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 334 Jump up ^ Coues, Lewis, Clark, Jefferson 1893 pp. 902 -- 904 Jump up ^ Peters 1996, pp. 30. Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 483 Jump up ^ Fritz, 2004 p. 60 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 409 Jump up ^ Woodger & Toropov, 2009 p. 99 Jump up ^ DeVoto, 1997 p. 552 Jump up ^ Woodger, Toropov, 2012 p. 29 Jump up ^ Fritz, 2004 p. 59 Jump up ^ Uldrich, 2004 p. 37 Jump up ^ Fresonke & Spence, 2004 p. 70 Jump up ^ Fritz, 2004 p. 88 Jump up ^ Gass & MacGregor, 1807 pp. iv, 3 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 pp. 479 -- 480 Jump up ^ Lewis and Clark Journals Archived January 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Jump up ^ Josephy, 2006 p.vi Jump up ^ Allen, Lewis & Clark, Vol. 1, 1916 p. 52 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 169 Jump up ^ Woodger & Toropov, 2009 pp. 8, 337 -- 338 Jump up ^ Coues, Lewis, Clark, Jefferson 1893, Vol. 2 pp. 557 -- 558 Jump up ^ Lewis, Clark Floyd, Whitehouse, 1905 p. 93 Jump up ^ Coues, Lewis, Clark, Jefferson 1893, Vol. 1 p. 229 Jump up ^ Clark & Edmonds, 1983 p. 15 Jump up ^ Coues, Lewis, Clark, Jefferson 1893, Vol. 1 p. 377 Jump up ^ Clark & Edmonds, 1983 p. 16 Jump up ^ Fritz, 2004 p. 19 Jump up ^ Clark & Edmonds, 1983 pp. 16, 27 Jump up ^ Ronda, 1984 pp. 258 -- 259 Jump up ^ Fritz, 2004 pp. 33 -- 35 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 pp. 352, 407 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 204 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996, p. 418 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996, p. 144 Jump up ^ Loomis & Nasatir 1967 pp. 382 -- 386, map : p. 290 Jump up ^ Ambrose, 1996 p. 70, 91 Jump up ^ Woodger, Toropov, 2009 pp. 191, 351 Jump up ^ Encyclopedia Britannica : Sir Alexander Mackenzie. Bibliography Allen, Paul ; Clark, William ; Lewis, Meriwether ( 1916 ). Meriwether Lewis and William Clarke, Volume 1. Elliott - Madison Company. p. 366. -- -- ; Clark, William ; Lewis, Meriwether ( 1916 ). Meriwether Lewis and William Clarke, Volume 2. Elliott - Madison Company. p. 381. Ambrose, Stephen E. ( 1996 ). Undaunted Courage : Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West. Simon and Schuster, New York. p. 511. ISBN 9780684811079. Bennett, George D. ( 2002 ). The United States Army : Issues, Background and Bibliography. Nova Publishers. p. 229. ISBN 9781590333006. Bergon, Frank ( 1989 ). The Journals of Lewis and Clark. Penguin Classics, New York. ISBN 0142437360. Clark, Ella E. ; Edmonds, Margot ( 1983 ). Sacagawea of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. University of California Press. p. 184. ISBN 9780520050600. Cutright, Paul Russell ( 2000 ). Contributions of Philadelphia to Lewis and Clark History. Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. p. 47. DeVoto, Bernard Augustine ( 1997 ) ( 1953 ). The Journals of Lewis and Clark. Houghton Mifflin Company. p. 504. ISBN 0 - 395 - 08380 - X. -- -- ( 1998 ). The Course of Empire. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. p. 647. ISBN 9780395924983. Fenelon, James ; Defender - Wilson, Mary Louise ( 1985 ). Voyage of Domination, `` Purchase '' as Conquest, Sakakawea for Savagery : Distorted Icons from Misrepresentations of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. University of Minnesota Press. pp. Wicazo Sa Review, 85 -- 104. JSTOR 1409488. Fresonke, Kris ; Spence, Mark ( 2004 ). Lewis and Clark. University of California Press. p. 290. ISBN 9780520228399. Fritz, Harry W. ( 2004 ). The Lewis and Clark Expedition. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 143. ISBN 978 - 0 - 313 - 31661 - 6. Furtwangler, Albert ( 1993 ). Acts of discovery : visions of America in the Lewis and Clark journals. University of Illinois Press. ISBN 978 - 0 - 252 - 06306 - 0. Gass, Patrick ; MacGregor, Carol Lynn ( 1807 ). The Journals of Patrick Gass : Member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Mountain Press Publishing. p. 447. ISBN 9780878423514. Gray, Edward ( 2004 ). `` Visions of Another Empire : John Ledyard, an American Traveler across the Russian Empire, 1787 -- 1788 ''. Journal of the Early Republic. University of Pennsylvania Press. 24 ( 3 ). JSTOR 4141438. Harris, Matthew L. ; Buckley, Jay H. ( 2012 ). Zebulon Pike, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West. University of Oklahoma Press, 256 pages. ISBN 9780806188317. Josephy, Alvin M., Jr. ; Marc, Jaffe, eds. ( 2006 ). Lewis and Clark Through Indian Eyes. Random House Digital, Inc. p. 196. ISBN 9781400042678. Kleber, John ( 2001 ). The Encyclopedia of Louisville. University Press of Kentucky. p. 509. ISBN 978 - 0 - 8131 - 2100 - 0. Lavender, David Sievert ( 2001 ). The Way to the Western Sea : Lewis and Clark Across the Continent. University of Nebraska Press. p. 444. ISBN 9780803280038. Loomis, Noel M ; Nasatir, Abraham P ( 1967 ). Pedro Vial and the Roads to Santa Fe. University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 9780806111100. Miller, Robert J. Miller ( 2006 ). Native America, Discovered And Conquered : Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, And Manifest Destiny. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 240. ISBN 9780275990114. Peters, Arthur K. ( 1996 ). Seven trail west. Abbeville Press. ISBN 1 - 55859 - 782 - 4. Saindon, Robert A. ( 2003 ). Explorations Into the World of Lewis and Clark, Volume 3. Digital Scanning Inc. p. 528. ISBN 9781582187655. Schwantes, Carlos. The Pacific Northwest : an interpretive history. University of Nebraska Press. p. 568. ISBN 978 - 0 - 8032 - 9228 - 4. Rodriguez, Junius ( 2002 ). The Louisiana Purchase : a historical and geographical encyclopedia. ABC - CLIO, Santa Barbara, California. p. 513. ISBN 978 - 1 - 57607 - 188 - 5. Ronda, James P. ( 1984 ). Lewis & Clark among the Indians. University of Nebraska Press. p. 310. ISBN 9780803289901. Uldrich, Jack ( 2004 ). Into the unknown : leadership lessons from Lewis & Clark 's daring westward adventure. AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn. p. 245. ISBN 0 - 8144 - 0816 - 8. Woodger, Elin ; Toropov, Brandon ( 2009 ). Encyclopedia of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Infobase Publishing. p. 438. ISBN 0 - 8160 - 4781 - 2. Primary sources Lewis, Meriwether ; Clark, William ( 2004 ). The Journals Of Lewis And Clark. Kessinger Publishing. p. 312. ISBN 9781419167997. E'books, Full view Lewis, Meriwether ; Clark, William ; Floyd, Charles ; Whitehouse, Joseph ( 1905 ). Original Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, 1804 - 1806, V. 6. Dodd, Mead & Company, New York. p. 280. Lewis, Meriwether ; Clark, William ( 2003 ). Bergon, Frank, ed. The Journals of Lewis & Clark. Penguin. p. 560. ISBN 9780142437360. Lewis, Meriwether ; Clark, William ( 1815 ). Travels to the source of the Missouri river and across the American continent to the Pacific ocean. Performed by order of the government of the United States, in the years 1804, 1805, and 1806. By Captains Lewis and Clarke. Published from the official report, and illustrated by a map of the route, and other maps. London : Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown. `` Review of Travels to the Source of the Missouri River... ''. The Quarterly Review. 12 : 317 -- 368. January 1815. Lewis, William ; Clark, Clark ( 1903 ). Hosmer, James Kendall, ed. History of the Expedition of Captain Lewis and Clark, 1804 - 5 - 6, Volume 1. A.C. McClurg & Company, Chicago. p. 500. Coues, Elliott ; Lewis, Meriwether ; Clark, William ; Jefferson, Thomas ( 1893 ). History of the expedition under the command of Lewis and Clark : Volume 1. Francis P. Harper, New York. p. 1364. -- -- ; Lewis, Meriwether ; Clark, William ; Jefferson, Thomas ( 1893 ). History of the expedition under the command of Lewis and Clark : Volume 2. Francis P. Harper, New York. p. 1364. -- -- ; Lewis, Meriwether ; Clark, William ; Jefferson, Thomas ( 1893 ). History of the expedition under the command of Lewis and Clark : Volume 3. Francis P. Harper, New York. p. 1298. -- -- ; Lewis, Meriwether ; Clark, William ; Jefferson, Thomas ( 1893 ). History of the expedition under the command of Lewis and Clark : Volume 4. Francis P. Harper, New York. p. 1298. Jackson, Donald Dean ( 1962 ). Letters of the Lewis and Clark Expedition : with related documents, 1783 - 1854. University of Illinois Press ( Original from the University of Virginia ). p. 728. Lewis, Meriwether ; Clark, William ( 2004 ). Moulton, Gary E., ed. The Definitive Journals of Lewis & Clark. University of Nebraska Press. p. 357. ISBN 9780803280328. Further reading Main article : Bibliography of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Bassman, John H. ( 2009 ). A Navigation Companion for the Lewis & Clark Trail. Volume 1, History, camp locations and daily summaries of expedition activities. John H. Bassman. Betts, Robert B. ( 2002 ). In Search of York : The Slave Who Went to the Pacific With Lewis and Clark. ISBN 0 - 87081 - 714 - 0. Clark, William ; Lewis, Meriwether. The Journals of Lewis and Clark, 1804 - 1806. Burns, Ken ( 1997 ). Lewis & Clark : The Journey of the Corps of Discovery. ISBN 0 - 679 - 45450 - 0. Hayes, Derek ( 1999 ). Historical Atlas of the Pacific Northwest : Maps of Exploration and Discovery : British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Yukon. Sasquatch Books. p. 208. ISBN 9781570612152. Gilman, Carolyn ( 2003 ). Lewis and Clark : Across the Divide. Washington, D.C. : Smithsonian Books. ISBN 9781588340993. Schmidt, Thomas ( 2002 ). National Geographic Guide to the Lewis & Clark Trail. ISBN 0 - 7922 - 6471 - 1. Tubbs, Stephenie Ambrose ( 2008 ). Why Sacagawea Deserves the Day Off and Other Lessons from the Lewis and Clark Trail. University of Nebraska Press. Wheeler, Olin Dunbar ( 1904 ). The Trail of Lewis and Clark, 1804 -- 1904 : A Story of the Great Exploration Across the Continent in 1804 -- 6. New York : G.P. Putnam 's Sons. p. 377. External links Find more aboutLewis and Clark Expeditionat Wikipedia 's sister projects Definitions from Wiktionary Media from Wikimedia Commons News from Wikinews Quotations from Wikiquote Texts from Wikisource Textbooks from Wikibooks Travel guide from Wikivoyage Learning resources from Wikiversity Data from Wikidata Full text of the Lewis and Clark journals online -- edited by Gary E. Moulton, University of Nebraska -- Lincoln `` National Archives photos dating from the 1860s -- 1890s of the Native cultures the expedition encountered ''. Archived from the original on February 12, 2008. Lewis and Clark Expedition, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary `` History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark : To the Sources of the Missouri, thence Across the Rocky Mountains and down the River Columbia to the Pacific Ocean '' published in 1814 ; from the World Digital Library Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation : Discovering Lewis & Clark Thomas Jefferson 3rd President of the United States ( 1801 -- 1809 ) 2nd U.S. Vice President ( 1797 -- 1801 ) 1st U.S. Secretary of State ( 1790 -- 1793 ) U.S. Minister to France ( 1785 -- 1789 ) 2nd Governor of Virginia ( 1779 -- 1781 ) Delegate, Second Continental Congress ( 1775 -- 1776 ) Founding documents of the United States A Summary View of the Rights of British America ( 1774 ) Initial draft, Olive Branch Petition ( 1775 ) Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms ( 1775 ) 1776 Declaration of Independence Committee of Five authored physical history `` All men are created equal '' `` Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness '' `` Consent of the governed '' 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom freedom of religion French Revolution Co-author, Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen ( 1789 ) Presidency Inaugural Address ( 1801 1805 ) Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves Louisiana Purchase Lewis and Clark Expedition Corps of Discovery timeline Empire of Liberty Red River Expedition Pike Expedition Cumberland Road Embargo Act of 1807 Chesapeake -- Leopard Affair Non-Intercourse Act of 1809 First Barbary War Native American policy Marbury v. Madison West Point Military Academy State of the Union Addresses ( texts 1801 1802 1805 ) Cabinet Federal judicial appointments Other noted accomplishments Early life and career Founder, University of Virginia history Land Ordinance of 1784 Northwest Ordinance 1787 Anti-Administration party Democratic - Republican Party Jeffersonian democracy First Party System republicanism Plan for Establishing Uniformity in the Coinage, Weights, and Measure of the United States ( 1790 ) Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions A Manual of Parliamentary Practice ( 1801 ) Jeffersonian architecture Barboursville Farmington Monticello gardens Poplar Forest University of Virginia The Rotunda The Lawn Virginia State Capitol White House Colonnades Other writings Notes on the State of Virginia ( 1785 ) 1787 European journey memorandums Indian removal letters Jefferson Bible ( 1895 ) Jefferson manuscript collection at the Massachusetts Historical Society The Papers of Thomas Jefferson Related Age of Enlightenment American Enlightenment American Philosophical Society American Revolution patriots Member, Virginia Committee of Correspondence Committee of the States Founding Fathers of the United States Franco - American alliance Jefferson and education Religious views Jefferson and slavery Jefferson and the Library of Congress Jefferson disk Jefferson Pier Pet mockingbird National Gazette Residence Act Compromise of 1790 Sally Hemings Jefferson -- Hemings controversy Betty Hemings Separation of church and state Swivel chair The American Museum magazine Virginia dynasty Elections United States Presidential election 1796 1800 1804 Legacy Bibliography Jefferson Memorial Mount Rushmore Birthday Thomas Jefferson Building Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression Jefferson Lecture Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Thomas Jefferson Star for Foreign Service Jefferson Lab Monticello Association Jefferson City, Missouri Jefferson College Thomas Jefferson School of Law Thomas Jefferson University Washington and Jefferson National Forests Other placenames Currency depictions Jefferson nickel Two - dollar bill U.S. postage stamps Popular culture Ben and Me ( 1953 short ) 1776 ( 1969 musical 1972 film ) Jefferson in Paris ( 1995 film ) Thomas Jefferson ( 1997 film ) Liberty ! 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Undaunted Courage, Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West. Simon and Schuster Paperbacks 1996. 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Question: on which river did the exploration of the louisiana purchase begin
Answer: Missouri River; Missouri River; the Missouri River