Exploring with Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, and William Clark

The Lewis and Clark Trust's research brings the national scope of the Lewis and Clark Story and Expedition into full view, a nexus of history and geography. Through the compilation of print and digital resources, the first United States military exploration of the American West is presented in chronological order. Planning, equipping, exploring, escorting Sovereign Nation Tribal Chiefs, reporting their findings to President Jefferson, and the Lewis and Clark Journal printing are all the fabric of the Lewis and Clark Story.

The reference sources explain in-depth how the labors of the men and women of the Expedition are still guide posts for all people and ages. Constant leadership of the co-commanders, Lewis and Clark and the non-commissioned Sergeants, inspired the faithful support of the enlisted men and hired crew. The crew selection was based on skills preformed efficiently after a cohesive unit was trained. York, Sacagawea, and the Native American People are a major part of the expedition success reflecting the human element in the epic story. It is our sincere hope this narrative inspires the readers curiosity sufficiently to locate “mis-placed” primary source documents that will further the knowledge of the Lewis and Clark Story. While the narrative text follows the expedition’s national route of travel, the pictures, copies of paintings, maps, and reference sources are a visual language of the people and situations the expedition encountered. The in-depth research is a foundation leaving open opportunities for uncovering overlooked documents for future generations making their own exploration.

The theoretical Northwest Passage and foreign financial rivalry was never far from Thomas Jefferson's mind. Donald Jackson said, “Three of the proposed explorations, George Rogers Clark, John Ledyard and Andre Michaux, either originated or abetted by Jefferson". The abortive attempt by Lt. John Armstrong was initiated in the War Department at the direction of General Harmer, an attempt unknown to Jefferson. ^{(1) (2)} The first successful military exploration of the West by Lewis and Clark is clearly founded in planning, preparation, and recruitment of people with the "right stuff'.” The exploration included recording the findings, and experiences as outlined in President Jefferson's Orders to Meriwether Lewis on 20 June 1803. As readers prepare for their own exploration of the Lewis and Clark Story, reading the “Instruction” is strongly recommended. ⁽³⁾ An equally helpful background read is Dr. James P. Ronda’s, Captains West: Lewis and Clark in the Vanguard of Army Exploration, Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History, Spring 2004 (Vol. 18, Number 1) pages 20-23. ⁽⁴⁾

The reporting and diplomatic phase, occurred after the 28- month Western Exploration. President Jefferson directed Lewis to “repair yourself with your papers to the seat of the government". The third phase lasted a number-of-years, and includes Lewis' death in 1809, along with William Clark’s success in seeing that the journals and exploration map were published, completing the expedition in a truly national scope- Sea-to-Sea. ⁽⁵⁾

The Lewis and Clark story and trail has been described as a “string of pearls.” Each pearl is a Lewis and Clark site with its own important story within the national story. The historic and cultural identity of each site, community, and region strengthens the total story of Lewis and Clark, both local and national. Each site should take pride in its location and part it played in the national Lewis and Clark story.

Millions of words have been written by brilliant authors and scholars but the journals and material collections are the basis of their research and writing. Dr. Thomas P. Slaughter states the fact so very clear, "without the journals the expedition would be a footnote to history". ⁽⁶⁾ Clearly, it is time to use the full story of Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Journals and the thousands of related documents and historic sites to improve the lives of all people. This brilliant drama of values – perseverance, shared responsibility, and pride in accomplishment- are still impacting us today and worthy of teaching to future generations.