Lewis and Clark Expedition

On February 27, 1803, Jefferson wrote to Barton informing him that he had chosen Meriwether Lewis to lead the Expedition to the Pacific.

On March 14, 1803, Gallatin wrote to Jefferson mentioning the issuance of a $2,500 warrant for the Expedition and a manuscript transcribed from Mr. Thornton's map by Captain Lewis.

On June 20, 1803, President Thomas Jefferson's instructions to Meriwether Lewis for the Expedition were finalized, marking a crucial step in the planning of the historic journey.

On July 5, 1803, Meriwether Lewis left Washington, D.C. for Harpers Ferry, marking the beginning of the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition.

On July 18, William Clark accepts Meriwether Lewis' offer to join him on the expedition to the Pacific. Lewis receives Clark's acceptance letter on July 29.

The Louisiana Purchase is officially transferred to the United States, eliminating the need for Spanish permission for the expedition.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition began on May 14, 1804, when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with their team, set out to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase and find a route to the Pacific Ocean.

The Captains divide the Expedition into three squads led by Sergeants John Ordway, Nathaniel Pryor, and Charles Floyd. Corporal Richard Warfington is chosen as the future commander of the squad responsible for returning the keelboat to St. Louis.

The Expedition led by Lewis and Clark reached land that is known as present-day Nebraska.

On August 3, 1804, Lewis and Clark held a council with Oto and Missouri Indians at Council Bluffs. Peace medals were given, and the air gun was demonstrated. A Frenchman named La Liberte deserted during this event.

On August 20, Sergeant Charles Floyd dies from an abdominal illness and is buried on a bluff above the mouth of Floyd’s River in present-day Sioux City, Iowa. He is the only member of the Expedition to die during the journey.

Sergeant Charles Floyd, a member of the expedition, passed away, likely due to appendicitis. He was buried on a bluff overlooking the river in Sioux City, Iowa, making him the only member to die during the entire two-year journey.

On February 11, 1805, Sacagawea gave birth to a son named Jean Baptiste during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Sacagawea played a crucial role as an interpreter and guide for the expedition.

On April 7, an expedition consisting of thirty-one men, one woman, one baby, and a dog, started their journey up the Missouri River into unknown lands.

On April 12, 1805, the expedition led by Lewis and Clark reached the Little Missouri River in North Dakota during their exploration of the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territory.

Between April 25-26, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at the mouth of the Yellowstone River, a significant milestone in their journey westward.

Explorers Lewis and Clark reach the mouth of the Yellowstone River during their famous expedition to explore the western United States.

On April 27, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition entered present-day Montana as they continued their exploration of the uncharted western territories of the United States.

A member of the Corps of Discovery shot and killed a grizzly bear after being chased by it, leading the men to develop a respect and fear for these formidable creatures.

On May 14, 1805, Sacagawea, a key member of the expedition, rescued various essential items including papers, medicines, instruments, and trade goods after the white pirogue tipped over, showcasing her resourcefulness.

On May 26, 1805, Meriwether Lewis reported the first sighting of the Rocky Mountains, a significant geographical landmark that marked the expedition's progress towards the Pacific Northwest.

Meriwether Lewis saw the Rocky Mountains for the first time during the expedition.

On June 13, 1805, Meriwether Lewis discovered the Great Falls of the Missouri River. This discovery confirmed to him that they were on the correct path of the expedition.

On June 14, 1805, Meriwether Lewis encountered four additional falls on the Missouri River, leading to his dismay. He also had a dangerous encounter with a grizzly bear, which chased him into the river.

On July 7, 1805, Lewis' party crosses the Continental Divide at present-day Lewis and Clark Pass.

On July 11, 1805, Lewis and his party arrive at the White Bear Island area (Upper Portage Camp) near Great Falls, Montana.

By August 22, 1805, Cameahwait, the Shoshone Chief recognized by Sacagewea as her brother, arrived at Camp Fortunate with about 50 men, women, and children. Sacagewea and Charbonneau also accompanied them to meet with Meriwether Lewis.

Private John Newman is court martialed for mutinous expressions and is given 75 lashes. He will be sent back with Reed in the spring of 1805.

By October 16, 1805, Lewis and Clark's Expedition reached the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, a significant milestone in their exploration journey.

On October 18, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition successfully reached present-day Oregon, marking another important stage in their expedition.

On October 23, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at the Great Falls of the Columbia River, later known as Celilo Falls, a significant natural landmark on their journey.

After a perilous journey of nearly eighteen months and 4,000 miles, Lewis and Clark successfully reach the Pacific.

Starting on December 9, 1805, Meriwether Lewis and the main party initiated the construction of Fort Clatsop near present-day Astoria, Oregon, as a strategic base for their winter stay.

On April 18, 1806, the expedition led by Lewis and Clark reached the Great Falls of the Columbia River, a significant milestone in their journey.

From May 14 to June 10, 1806, the expedition camped at Camp Chopunnish near present-day Kamiah, Idaho, where they tended to sick Indians, hunted, and waited for the mountain snows to melt.

After a long expedition, the Corps of Discovery led by Lewis and Clark finally arrives in St. Louis, marking the end of their journey. They have been away for two years, four months, and 10 days.

The day after their arrival, Lewis and Clark engage in correspondence by writing letters. They also take some time to shop in St. Louis.

A reception is held at the White House to honor and welcome explorers Meriwether Lewis and Sheheke.

President Jefferson nominates Meriwether Lewis to govern Upper Louisiana, and Clark as Lieutenant Colonel (Clark's nomination is not approved).

On August 18, 1807, Meriwether Lewis wrote to William Eustis, expressing his plans to leave St. Louis for Washington D.C. by the following Thursday.

In 1978, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail was established through Public Law 95-625, commemorating the historic expedition of Lewis and Clark.