“My response; they do matter!” Captain Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked on a daring journey to explore the Pacific Northwest of the United States. This expedition, which involved great risks and sacrifices, aimed to gather valuable information. Despite their remarkable achievements and successful delivery of data to the U.S. government, some historians and authors argue that their efforts were futile and contributed little to science and wealth. The expedition of Lewis and Clark is a renowned yet enigmatic adventure in America’s frontier history. Whether they are considered significant historical figures or not largely depends on one’s perspective.
The arrival of fur traders, soldiers, and missionaries following the Lewis and Clark expedition will permanently change the lives of Native Americans. Despite these changes happening gradually, their impact will be profound. President Jefferson’s extensive orders will also bring significant transformations to European Americans.
Although Lewis and Clark did not discover a Northwest Passage or initiate the western fur trade or overland immigration, they greatly impacted these subsequent movements. Their expedition yielded valuable knowledge about the topography, biology, ecology, and ethnicity and language of American Indians. After Lewis and Clark’s journey, the once enigmatic Louisiana Purchase became better understood. Geographic exploration was a primary objective that President Jefferson assigned to the expedition. Throughout their expedition, Lewis and Clark documented a wealth of scientific information, carefully recording notable geographical features, creating detailed route maps, and noting their observations of longitude and latitude.
Lewis primarily carried out astronomical tasks while Clark was responsible for charting the course and creating expedition maps. Jefferson’s particular emphasis was on Lewis and Clark building positive relationships with the Native Americans and undertaking linguistic and ethnological research. As a result, they conducted numerous meetings with the Indian tribes encountered during their journey. The goal of the Americans was to establish diplomatic relations and secure trading rights with the Native Americans.
The aim was to inform the Indians about the United States’ new authority following the Louisiana Purchase. By doing so, their goal was to redirect trade away from rival countries such as Spain, France, England, and Russia towards American interests. Lewis and Clark had a long-term perspective on trade, whereas the Indians sought immediate exchange of goods. Additionally, Lewis and Clark had a keen interest in the environment. They assessed the land’s potential for agriculture, examined plant and animal life, documented mineral deposits, and recorded climatic conditions.
They also made significant contributions in the realm of biological sciences. Lewis and Clark were the initial individuals to provide an extensive description of numerous plant and animal species that were previously unknown to science. Moreover, they enhanced our knowledge of the distribution, behaviors, and physical attributes of various species. Most importantly, it is a narrative that belongs to America, a journey that all Americans can collectively partake in. The Lewis and Clark expedition offers something to captivate every individual.
If you have an interest in science, you will be exposed to unfamiliar plants, animals, and terrain. Similarly, if your interest lies in Native Americans, you will gain insights into American Indian culture prior to its alteration due to interaction with white Americans. Additionally, you will get to experience the thrill and perils faced by the expedition. The story features a diverse group of individuals including a black slave, a young Indian woman, and white American males.
All individuals are working together towards a common objective, leading to the fast development of the United States into the remarkable nation it is today. The Lewis and Clark expedition demonstrated bravery and resolve in conquering challenges, ultimately progressing from being afraid of the unknown to gaining knowledge.
