Lewis & Clark Trust INC.
Their Journey. Our Legacy.
Funding preservation projects, protecting allied sites, and sharing the story of America's most ambitious expedition.
The Story
Exploring with Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark
“Preservation through Education”
Telling the Lewis and Clark Story and preserving the entire trail for all people in cooperation with the Lewis and Clark Historical Trail.
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, escorting Sovereign Nation Tribal Chiefs, reporting to President Jefferson, and the Lewis and Clark Journal printing are all in the fabric of the Lewis and Clark Story.
The referenced sources explain 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 the hired crew. York, Sacagawea, and the Native American People are a major part of the expedition success and reflects the human element in the epic story.
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, local and national.
Lewis and Clark Trust, Inc. Founding
Thomas Jefferson Monticello International Center Library, December 2011
US Lewis and Clark Journey Map
Click to enlarge
The Narrative in Date Sequence
Support for this website is funded in part by the Anne Rutledge Tufts memorial gift provided by Lorna Hainesworth.
Our Impact
Making a Difference Along the Trail
Through partnerships with the National Park Service, local communities, and dedicated volunteers, we protect and preserve the Lewis and Clark legacy.
Featured Project
Project Spotlight
Eastern United States
Eastern Legacy Trail Initiative
The Eastern Legacy Trail Initiative documents and preserves the often-overlooked eastern portion of the Lewis and Clark story. While much attention focuses on the westward journey, the expedition's roots in Virginia, Kentucky, and the Ohio Valley are equally significant. This project identifies, researches, and promotes the historic sites where Lewis…
Where We Work
Our Projects
From trail preservation to interpretive centers, we fund projects that bring the Lewis and Clark story to life.
16 States along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Terrain360 Trail Mapping Partnership
Learn More“An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.”
— Thomas Jefferson
Our Work
Protecting the Trail, Preserving the Story
The Lewis and Clark Trust works to ensure the story of the Corps of Discovery endures for future generations.
Preservation Projects
We fund and manage projects to preserve historic sites, build interpretive centers, and restore landmarks along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Learn MoreAllied Sites
Our network of allied sites across America protects and interprets key locations from the expedition, connecting visitors to living history.
Learn MoreHistorical Research
Through our comprehensive research database, we make primary sources, journal entries, treaties, and artwork accessible to scholars and the public.
Learn MoreThe Journey
Follow the 8,000-mile route of Lewis and Clark from St. Louis to the Pacific, with stops at key campsites, portages, and encounters along the way.
Learn MoreHistorical Documents
Access original letters, expedition reports, and scholarly articles that illuminate the story of the Corps of Discovery.
Learn MoreCommunity Engagement
We partner with tribal nations, the National Park Service, local communities, and schools to share the rich, complex legacy of the expedition.
Learn MoreResearch Portal
Explore Our Research Database
Dive deep into the Lewis and Clark story with our comprehensive research database. Featuring over 1,200 journal entries from Lewis and Clark, 33 tribal treaties, expedition artwork, weapons of the era, wildlife documentation, and interactive 360° trail panoramas.
The Thwaites Journals
Complete transcriptions of the Lewis and Clark journals from the definitive Reuben Gold Thwaites edition, fully searchable and cross-referenced.
360° Trail Explorer
Experience the Lewis and Clark Trail through immersive panoramic photography covering hundreds of miles across America.
Support Preservation
Help Us Protect This American Legacy
Your contribution directly funds preservation projects, protects allied historic sites, and ensures the Lewis and Clark story reaches future generations. Every dollar makes a difference.