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Life of Meriwether Lewis
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Cherokee show Lewis their ways
Lewis spent his years as a boy learning how to hunt and practice outdoor skills. His interest in natural history came from living so close to Cherokee territory and often wandering over there to hunt. They taught him about medicinal herbs and berries. -
Lewis joins Miltia
In 1794 he was appointed in the Virginia Militia and sent in a detachment to control the Whiskey Rebellion. -
Lewis becomes a captain of the army
After the Whiskey Rebellion, Lewis was commissioned as an Ensign. He became captain in 1800. One of his commanding officers happened to be William Clark. -
Lewis is appointed as Jefferson's secretary
President Thomas Jefferson appointed Lewis to be his aide. Lewis moved into the presidential mansion. His job was to complied information on personnel and politics of the U.S. Army. -
The Expidition Begins
After the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson wanted a direct and practical water communication across the continent and an accurate vision of the new land and resources. Lewis was asked by the President to lead the first transcontinental expedition. They start by sailing down the Missouri. -
Lewis and Clark meet Sacagawea
This most likely was Lewis and Clark's first encounter with the woman who was to play a significant role in the success of the Expedition, not as a guide, as the old legend has it, but as an interpreter—with Charbonneau's help—between the captains and her people. -
Expedition comes to a end
Lewis and Clark returned from the pacific with a wealth of information, maps, and plant and animal specimens. The trip was very successful. -
Lewis becomes Governor
After his return from the expedition, Lewis was appointed governor of the Louisiana Territory by President Jefferson. Jefferson rewarded him with 1,600 acres of land. They also agreed to publish the Corps of Discovery journals. -
Lewis heads to D.C.
With his journals in hand for publishing, Lewis set out to the capitol to assist in the resolution of bad drafts he had written as governor. His intention was to travel by ship, but changed his mind and traveled overland. -
Lewis dies
Lewis died on October 12, 1809, at an inn near Nashville, Tennessee. He had been on his way to Washington, D.C., at the time. Most historians believe he committed suicide while a few have contended that he was murdered. Despite this, Lewis changed the USA by exploring new land that will eventually be settled.
