The Louisiana Purchase Expedition

The Louisiana Purchase was an arrangement between the United States and France, in which the U.S. acquired approximately 827 thousand square miles of land west of the Mississippi River for $15 million. In 1801, Spain and France signed a secret treaty surrendering Louisiana to France. Thomas Jefferson realized that with this treaty, France suddenly posed a potential threat to America. If America did not purchase New Orleans from France, and with the change of ownership from Spain to France it could lead to war possibly resulting in one of Americas most valuable ports being closed to American ships. Jefferson decided to send a messenger to France to try and secure its purchase. However, instead of the original agreement, they returned with a
Lewis was asked to gather information about the plants, animals and people of the territory. Lewis agreed to the assignment and asked his old friend William Clark to join him. They started their journey near St. Louis, Missouri in May of 1804. They braved dangerous waters and harsh weather while enduring hunger, fighting illness, nurturing injury, and battling fatigue. Lewis kept a detailed journal and collected samples of plants and animals he encountered. Lewis and his expedition received assistance in their mission from many of the native people, such as the Mandans. This is where they met Sacagawea and Touissant Charbonneau who had joined the expedition and acted as interpreters for the local tribes they’ve encountered. In November of 1805, Lewis and Clark finally reached the Pacific Ocean. They built Fort Clatsop, where they made camp during their winter months. In 1806, on their way back, Lewis and Clark decided to split up to explore more territory and to search for a fast passage home. Lewis and Clark and their two individual groups joined up again at the Missouri River and made the rest of the journey together back home to St. Louis. The expedition traveled roughly 8,000 miles by boat, on foot, and on