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. The Louisiana Purchase would later alter the character of the planned expedition from an exploration of French territory to a first glimpse of lands that, in the view of many contemporaries, were essential to maintaining the agrarian, republican character of the nation. After finally purchasing the Louisiana Territory, and two weeks before inauguration day Jefferson asked Lewis to go on the journey.
In January of 1803, Jefferson requested $2500 from Congress to pay for the costs of the trip. Thomas Jefferson then commissioned Capt. Meriwether Lewis (his Secretary of State) to explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. This territory is what is now the northwest United States.
The budget for the Lewis and Clark expedition authorized by President Thomas Jefferson in 1803 was around $2,500. This covered expenses such as supplies, equipment, and salaries for the expedition members.
Thomas Jefferson was president at the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. infact, he sent Lewis out to explore and Lewis chose Clark to come along. So, Thomas Jefferson had a huge influence on the expedition.
Jefferson
President Jefferson needed Lewis and Clark to map the Louisiana Territory and to explore it.
Aeris Reed
President Thomas Jefferson. It was 1803.
President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the Lewis and Clark expedition, not long after he bought the Louisiana territory from Napoleon.
Meriwether Lewis was in charge and William Clark came as his assistant. But the Lewis And Clark Expedition is still know as The Lewis And Clark Expedition.
They were paid to do it by President Thomas Jefferson
Thomas jefferson
Lewis and Clark are the captains of this expedition
There was a disease in the Lewis and Clark expedition