The Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition

The Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition — page 3
THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE AND THE LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION the country’s size adding to it an area larger than today’s Spain Portugal France Italy Germany the Netherlands Switzerland and Great Britain combined combined All or parts of thirteen states would be created from it The United States was immediately elevated in stature among world powers An expedition to study the land and hopefully find a navigable water route west to the Pacific Ocean began in 1804 Headed by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark the Lewis and Clark Expedition was a remarkable journey of nearly 8,000 miles 13,000 kilometers across North America and back Over two years the courageous group created maps collected notes and specimens of previously unknown plants and animals and named geographic locations after expedition members peers loved ones and even their dog They also made contact with numerous American Indian peoples who called the Louisiana Territory home The hardships including hunger dysentery boils tick bites and injuries were balanced by incredible encounters with unspoiled beauty The explorers were astonished by natural wonders and huge herds of elk antelope and bison Their discoveries discoveries opened a new frontier for Americans who were already looking westward for new adventures and opportunities 6