USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Students will learn that the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory in 1803 and President Thomas Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark to explore west of the Mississippi River in 1804-though the land was already inhabited and politically complicated.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on the now-legendary transcontinental expedition to explore the American West.

Detailed explanation-3: -On January 18, 1803, Thomas Jefferson requests funding from Congress to finance the Lewis and Clark expedition. Jefferson officially asked for $2, 500 in funding from Congress, though some sources indicate the expedition ultimately cost closer to $50, 000.

Detailed explanation-4: -Meriwether Lewis commanded the expedition jointly with William Clark. Jefferson instructed them to seek new trade routes, to establish relations with the western tribes of American Indians, and to report on the geography, geology, astronomy, zoology, botany, and climate of the West.

Detailed explanation-5: -President Jefferson’s choice to lead an expedition was Meriwether Lewis, his former secretary and a fellow native of Albemarle County, Virginia. Having reached the rank of captain in the U.S. Army, Lewis possessed military discipline and experience that would prove invaluable.