Comparing Lewis And Clark's Trip To The Louisiana Territory

In 1803, the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France. Jefferson asked Meriwether Lewis to explore the Northwest Territory. Jefferson told him to map out the area, gather natural resources, make contact with Natives (Befriend if possible), and find a waterway that went to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis recruited William Clark, to be an equal in command, and 40 men. The two leaders, both in the military (Lewis a Captain and Clark a Lieutenant) led these men through 800,000 square miles. The long journey started at the Missouri River in 1804 of May. Many tribes were met during the fall including: Missouris, Omahas, Yankton Sioux, and the Teton Sioux. The Corps told the Indians about the "great father" Thomas Jefferson. Around where Sioux, Iowa is, the Corps suffered the only causality of the whole journey. Sergeant Charles Floyd is believed to have died from a burst in his appendix. In October, the Corps new winter was near, and built Fort Mandan. This fort was made around the helpful Mandans and Hidatsa, who occupied 5 villages along the Missouri.
Many items and animals had been found that were taken with them to completely unknown territory. In the new territory, the Corps saw animals such as: Buffalo, wolves, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. As they reached Missouri's headwaters they got to Sacagawea's tribe land and bought horses to continue. After weeks the Corps found that there was no water route to go all the way to the Pacific. Fort Clatsop was built in Oregon. Then, in late March of 1806, the Corps began heading back. The Corps got back to St. Louis, Missouri in late September of 1806, ending their two year