Meriwether Lewis Timeline

Childhood

Jan 1, 1780

Lewis moved to Georgia with his stepdad and his mom. He spent his childhood learning from the Cherokees. He learned outdoor skills such as hunting.

Graduation

Apr 16, 1793

Lewis graduates from Washington Lee University. Lewis' parents sent him to school at age 13.

Militia

Jun 23, 1794

Lewis joins the Virginia militia. He was sent to help in the Whiskey Rebellion. The Whiskey Rebellion was a tax protest in the U.S.

Army

Sep 27, 1795

Lewis joins the U.S. army. He was ordered as an ensign. William Clark happened to be one of his officers. In 1800, he became a captain.

Aide

Jun 23, 1801

Thomas Jefferson decided on Lewis to be an aide. Lewis moved into the White House. Much of the planning for the expedition occured in the White House.

Expedition begins

Jan 1, 1803

Lewis and Clark start the expedition. Lewis was the leader. This was the first American expedition to cross into the west.

Expedition ends

Sep 23, 1806

The expedition ends. Lewis and Clark return to St. Louis. They come back with information about the west, fossils, and maps.

Governor

Feb 12, 1807

Lewis is assigned governor of the Louisiana Territory by Jefferson. They decided to publish the Corps of Discovery Journals.

First Master

Jun 19, 1808

Lewis is nominated as first master of the new lodge, no. 111. He was against secretary Bates for this position. Lewis won.

Death

Oct 11, 1809

Lewis dies. Ever since his death, there has been a debate on if Lewis committed suicide or if he was murdered. Most historians believe that he committed suicide.