Lewis and Clark, along with Sacajawea, spent two years and four months exploring the western territories of North America on an expedition commissioned by President Jefferson to map the new Louisiana Purchase territory and document plant and animal species. Their expedition from St. Louis to the Pacific Coast and back provided valuable information to the U.S. about additional lands, as well as discovering new food sources and medicines by identifying numerous plants and animals previously unknown to science at the time.

1. Lewis and ClarkBy Kara Langill

2. Define: Lewis and ClarkLewis and Clark, along with Sacajawea, took two years and four months exploring the western territories for more information about the world.

3. Background / HistoryPresident Jefferson wanted to explore the west ( a new territory). He chose Lewis to lead the expedition called “Corps of Discovery”. This went from St. Louis to the Pacific Coast. Lewis later chose Clark to be second in command. Jefferson wanted to know more about Native Americans and unknown plants and animals.

4. ImportanceThis allowed for America to know about more land. More animal and plant species were discovered which led to more food and medicine. Native Americans knew their way around the woods and beyond them.