To buy accoutrements for the expedition
On January 18, 1803, Thomas Jefferson privately asked Congress to provide funding for a western expedition, which later became famously known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Jefferson asked them to find a water route to the Pacific. They documented plants, animals, and observed the landscapes they crossed.
President Jefferson asked the expedition to study the Native American tribes living in the area as well as the plants, animals, geology and terrain of the region. The expedition was also to be a diplomatic one and aid in transferring power over the lands and the people living on them from the French and Spanish to the United States. In addition, President Jefferson wanted the expedition to find a direct waterway to the West Coast and the Pacific Ocean so westward expansion and commerce would be easier to achieve in the coming years.
Meriwether Lewis was an American explorer who, along with William Clark, led the significant Lewis and Clark expedition commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1804. Their expedition played a crucial role in the exploration of the western part of the United States.
After Jefferson bought the area from France the need arose about what was there. There was also still the idea of a passage or river that would take the men to the Pacific. Both men were asked by Jefferson to lead.
Thomas Jefferson had dreamed of exploring the West for at least 20 years before he even became President. In 1783 he had even asked William Clark's brother, George, to take on the challenge. After finally purchasing the Louisiana Territory, and two weeks before inauguration day President Jefferson asked Meriwether Lewis, in January of 1803, to go on the journey. William Clark would offer to join Lewis on the expedition weeks later on October 13, 1803 at Camp Dubois (in present-day Indiana).
Thomas Jefferson had dreamed of exploring the West for at least 20 years before he even became President. In 1783 he had even asked Clark's brother, George, to take on the challenge. After finally purchasing the Louisiana Territory, and two weeks before inauguration day Jefferson asked Lewis, his secretary of state, to go on the journey. After Lewis was very intelligent and trustworthy, and after being given specific instructions and properly trained, he began the expedition on August 30, 1803 in Pittsburgh PA. Lt. William Clark would only offer to join Lewis on the expedition weeks later on October 13, 1803 at Camp Dubois (in present-day Indiana). Jefferson had given Lewis full authority as leader of the expedition, so it was Lewis who chose Clark, not Jefferson. They then named their team the "Corps of Discovery."
They asked
President Thomas Jefferson asked Meriwether Lewis to lead an expedition westward to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and to find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean. The mission aimed to gather scientific knowledge about the land, its resources, and its inhabitants, as well as to establish American presence and sovereignty in the region. Jefferson was particularly interested in mapping the territory and seeking potential trade routes. The expedition ultimately became known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, significantly contributing to American exploration and expansion.
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Jefferson asked congress to pass trade laws to punish Britain and France
Thomas Jefferson had dreamed of exploring the West for at least 20 years before he even became President. In 1783 he had asked William Clark's brother, George Rogers Clark, to take on the challenge. George Rogers Clark was a well-known Revolutionary War hero, and Jefferson felt he was very suitable for the task. George politely declined however, and Jefferson though such an expedition would never get off the drawing table, but that all changed after purchasing the Louisiana territory years later.