Lewis and Clark in canoes meeting the Indians. These accomplishments made the Lewis and Clark Expedition one of the most successful explorations of all time. They "discovered" beauty beyond their wildest expectations and the people they encountered represented nearly 50 indigenous tribes that enabled the successful completion of their mission.Īnd even though an easy water route across the continent was not found, the geography, flora, fauna and other natural phenomena they documented resulted in a large body of scientific information that was new to the Western world. Jefferson envisioned the nation's eventual expansion to the Pacific and desired to strengthen the American claim to the Northwest Columbia Basin. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 had doubled the size of the nation, but a good share of the territory the expedition would explore was unmapped. They were also to note possible resources which would support future settlement. Lewis and Clark were instructed to observe and record the entire range of natural history and ethnology of the areas they explored. The President provided the best supplies, clothing, firearms, equipment, and rations then available. The expedition was meant to prepare the way for the extension of the American fur trade and to advance geographical knowledge. Was to reflect the broad range of Jefferson's interests.
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