The Lewis and Clark Expedition

history · exploration · adventure

Coast to coast. The expedition crossed the brand-new western land the U.S. had just bought, traveling from the Missouri River all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Up the river. In May 1804, the team set out and paddled up the Missouri River, exploring places no U.S. map had ever shown.

Over the divide. They crossed the Continental Divide near Lemhi Pass, then followed the Columbia River and reached the Pacific in 1805.

Best-friend captains. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were close friends who led the group, officially called the Corps of Discovery.

The long way home. They began the return trip from Fort Clatsop, Oregon, in March 1806 and made it back six months later in September.