Follow the Expedition
The Journey
Trace the path of Lewis and Clark from their planning in Washington D.C. through the expedition and their triumphant return to report to President Jefferson.
Planning and Equipping for Exploration
The first successful military exploration of the West by Lewis and Clark is clearly founded in planning, preparation, and recruitment of people with the ‘right…
Traveling from Washington DC, Harpers Ferry, and Pittsburgh
Meriwether Lewis departed Washington DC and traveled to Harpers Ferry to oversee the construction of supplies and equipment, then continued to Pittsburgh to oversee the…
First Dilemmas with Transportation
At Harpers Ferry, Lewis supervised the manufacture of a collapsible iron-frame boat and gathered supplies including rifles, tomahawks, and other essential expedition equipment.
Troubles with Transportation in Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, Lewis encountered significant delays in the construction of the keelboat. The boat builder’s slow progress caused Lewis considerable frustration and delayed the expedition’s…
Heavy Boat in Low Water
Near Steubenville, Ohio, the keelboat encountered difficulties navigating the low water levels of the Ohio River. The heavy vessel required careful maneuvering through shallow stretches.
Federal Agents on the Ohio River
Lewis and his small crew continued down the Ohio River, passing Charlestown, Virginia (now West Virginia), where they encountered federal agents monitoring river traffic.
By Horse to Big Bone Lick
Near Cincinnati, Lewis made a side trip by horse to Big Bone Lick, Kentucky, a famous fossil site. He collected specimens of mammoth bones to…
Co-Commanders Meet
At the Falls of the Ohio near Louisville, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark met and joined forces. This meeting marked the beginning of their legendary…
Camp Site at West Point
The expedition made camp near West Point, Kentucky, as they continued their journey down the Ohio River toward the Mississippi.
Ft. Massac and ‘A Man of Much Merit’
At Fort Massac in Illinois, Lewis and Clark recruited George Drouillard, described by Lewis as ‘a man of much merit.’ Drouillard would prove invaluable as…
Celestial Observations and Ft. Jefferson
At the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Lewis made celestial observations to determine the exact latitude and longitude. The precision of these measurements…
Against the Current
The Corps of Discovery began their journey up the Mississippi River, fighting against the powerful current. This challenging stretch tested the men and their equipment…
Trouble with the Spanish in St. Louis
In St. Louis, Lewis encountered difficulties with Spanish authorities who still controlled the Louisiana Territory at this time. The political situation required careful diplomacy as…
St. Louis to Vincennes
After providing compensation for service, back pay, and discharging the men no longer required for the mission, Lewis and Clark and the Tribal Delegation plus…
Vincennes to Louisville
Lewis and Clark and the East bound traveling party’s return to Louisville was joyous on November 5, 1806, even in the rain. Following the Buffalo…
Into the Bluegrass and Wilderness
Lewis and his party departed Louisville on 11 November 1806, following today’s U.S. 60 to Frankfort, KY. Clark remained in Louisville preparing for his courtship…
Mountains Smaller than the Rocky Mountains
Lewis and his traveling party followed the Boone Trace and Wilderness Road from Cumberland Gap through Virginia. After the challenges of the Rocky Mountains, the…
Christmas with Family in Ivy, VA
After spending Christmas with his family at Locust Hill, his mother’s home near Ivy, VA, Lewis and his party continued toward Washington. On 15 December…
William Clark and York at Cumberland Gap
William Clark and York traveled through Cumberland Gap on the Wilderness Road. Clark would later visit Col. Arthur Campbell, who had shown Lewis a survey…
William Clark Courting Julia Hancock
Clark and York were heading East along the Great Valley Road. After 28 months in the wilderness of the West, Clark was intent on courting…
Hospitality for Lewis and Clark in the President’s House
When Lewis arrived in Washington he moved into the President’s House. The de-briefing and reporting phase of the expedition started immediately. Journals, maps, and material…
Congressional Compensation for a Job Well Done
Congress recognized the extraordinary achievements of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with generous land grants and compensation. Lewis received 1,600 acres and was appointed Governor…
New Responsibilities for the Successful Explorers
Following the successful expedition, both Lewis and Clark were given significant new responsibilities. Lewis became Governor of the Upper Louisiana Territory while Clark was appointed…