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Birth
Meriwether Lewis was born in Virginia. He was born into a Welsh/English family. He had five siblings in his childhood, as well as two half-siblings. -
Serving the Country
Lewis began to serve in the army. He was neighbours with Thomas Jefferson, prompting a relationship that would last for years to come. Jefferson picked Lewis to lead the expedition with Clark, because he knew him from this time. -
Chosen to Be a... Secretary?
Meriwether Lewis was appointed by Thomas Jefferson to be his secretary. This would further improve their relationship after knowing each other from neighbouring years. This was a big step in Lewis' life. -
Now, He Leads On
Meriwether Lewis was chosen by his friend Thomas Jefferson to lead and expedition out west. This significant because no person from to U.S. has ever traveled out there. He has time to form a squad, the Corps of Discovery. -
William Clark"s Appointment
Meriwether Lewis asks William Clark to help lead his expedition. This adds more experience to the team. They become good friends, as any would spending almost 2 1/2 years together. -
Embarking On An Expedition
The expedition begins. They start near the Mississippi River. They plan to travel from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean. -
Communication Help
Lewis and Clark hire Sacagawea and Toussaint Charbonneau. They hired them as interpreters. These interpreters knew the land well and were able to communicate with many natives they encountered along the way. -
Men Sent Back
The first twelve men to be sent back leave this day. They travel back with lots of new information to report. The others continue on. -
Moving Forward
While scouting ahead, Lewis find the Great Falls of Missouri. They have to stop and carry their boats and supplies 18 miles. They also found four more waterfalls in that area. -
"Ocean in view! O! the joy."
The Corps of Discovery finally spot the Pacific Ocean and travel towards. William Clark writes his most famous journal entry stating the joy of spotting the ocean. They soon begin the long road back home. -
Home Sweet Home
The Corps return home after 2 years, 4 months, and days of exploring. Soon after Meriwether Lewis is appointed the governor of the Louisiana Territory. But not all ends well. -
Death
He died from murder or suicide. This is still undecided by historians. He definitely died from a gunshot, by no one knows by whom.
