Lewis and Clark

Secret Letter

Jan 18, 1803

Thomas Jefferson sends a secret letter to Congress asking for $2,500 for commerce an expedition for explore the Missouri River.

Ready for journey

Apr 1, 1803

Lewis is sent to Philadelphia to be tutored by some of the nation’s leading scientists. He also purchases supplies that will be needed on the journey.

Ready for Journey

May 31, 1803

Lewis is sent to Philadelphia to be tutored by some of the nation’s leading scientists. He also purchases supplies that will be needed on the journey.

Start Journey

Jul 4, 1803

USA purchase of the 820,000 square mile Louisiana area from France for $15 million. Next day, Lewis leaves Washington and start his long journey.

Clarksville

Oct 14, 1803

Lewis arrives at Clarksville, across the Ohio River from present-day Louisville, Kentucky.

First council with Indians

Aug 3, 1804

Lewis and Clark hold their first council with Indians. They meet with a group of Oto and Missouri chiefs near present-day Council Bluffs, Iowa. They hand out peace medals and other gifts, and Lewis delivers a speech.

Arrives at the earth-lodge

Oct 26, 1804

The Expedition arrives at the earth-lodge villages of the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes, near present-day Bismarck, North Dakota.

Send the keelboat down the MissouriRiver

Apr 7, 1805

Lewis and Clark send the keelboat down the Missouri
River with a shipment for President Jefferson.

Rocky Mountain

May 26, 1805

Lewis sees the Rocky Mountains for the first time in his life.

The summer home of the Shoshone

Aug 8, 1805

Sacagawea recognizes a land feature and tells the explorers they are close to the summer home of the Shoshone people.

To cross the Rocky Mountain

Aug 17, 1805

Sacagawea is reunited with her brother, the Shoshone chief Cameahwait, and helps negotiate for horses needed by the Expedition to cross the Rocky Mountains.