Profile of the Day: Meriwether Lewis

Posted May 14, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

On this day in 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed St. Louis, Missouri to begin their mission of exploring the American Northwest.

After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, President Thomas Jefferson wanted to get an accurate assessment of the new land and its resources. He enlisted Lewis to command the expedition, who recruited his close friend William Clark as his Second Lieutenant in command.

The journey to the Pacific coast lasted two years. During this time, they were accompanied by Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman who helped act as an interpreter during their exploration. In addition to exploring and mapping the newly acquired territory, the expedition team also sought to establish trade with Native American tribes and collect scientific data on animal and plant life.

Fun fact: The wife of Meriwether Lewis’ second cousin was the sister of Thomas Jefferson.

Explore Meriwether Lewis’s family tree and share how you’re connected to the explorer.

View Meriwether Lewis’s Geni Profile

Post written by Amanda

Amanda is the Marketing Communications Manager at Geni. If you need any assistance, she will be happy to help!

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