Meriwether  LEWIS

Biography
Meriwether Lewis, born on August 18, 1774, was an American explorer, soldier, and public administrator best known for his role as the leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. His journey alongside William Clark from 1804 to 1806 remains one of the most significant and celebrated expeditions in American history.

Lewis was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, into a well-connected family. He received a solid education and developed an early interest in natural history and the sciences. Thomas Jefferson, who would later become the third President of the United States, became a family friend and mentor to Lewis.

In his early years, Lewis served in the Virginia militia, distinguishing himself as an officer. He also served as an aide to President Jefferson when the latter was Secretary of State. When Jefferson became President in 1801, he appointed Lewis as his private secretary.

Lewis's most notable accomplishment, however, was his leadership of the Corps of Discovery, the...Read full story

1804 - Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived in South Dakota
In 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, arrived in what is now South Dakota as part of their monumental journey to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Led by Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with a diverse team of skilled men including interpreters and hunters, the expedition aimed to map out and document the vast western lands of North America. South Dakota, then inhabited by numerous Native American tribes such as the Lakota Sioux, was a crucial part of their route up the Missouri River.

Arriving in present-day South Dakota, the expedition encountered challenging terrain and diverse ecosystems, from rolling prairies to the expansive Missouri River. They engaged with local Native American tribes, establishing diplomatic relations and gathering crucial information about the region's geography, flora, fauna, and indigenous peoples.
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1805-06 - Lewis and Clark reached Washington
In 1805-06, the famed expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark reached what is now Washington state, marking a significant milestone in their journey across the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. The Corps of Discovery, as their expedition was known, had embarked from St. Louis in 1804 with the directive from President Thomas Jefferson to explore the vast western territories of North America. By the time they reached present-day Washington, the expedition had already traversed the Great Plains, crossed the Rocky Mountains, and navigated the Columbia River.

Arriving at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers in October 1805, Lewis and Clark faced challenges navigating the treacherous Columbia River Gorge. They encountered various Native American tribes, including the Nez Perce and the Chinook, who provided crucial assistance and guidance. The winter of 1805-06 was spent at Fort Clatsop near the Pacific Coast, where they prepared for the return journey. Their...Read full story


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1805 - Lewis and Clark reach Pacific (November 15)
Nov. 7, 1805 - Camped opposite Pillar Rock, between Brookfield and Dahlia, Washington, west of Jim Crow Point. 'Great joy in camp we are in view of the Ocian this great Pacific Ocean which we been so long anxious to See. and the roreing or noise made by the waves braking on the rockey shores (as I Suppose) may be heard distinctly.' Although they were really only seeing the Columbia Estuary, the men of the Corps were certainly happy to be near their goal.

Nov. 15, 1805 - Lewis reached the Pacific Ocean near modern Seaview, Washington. Clark noted that it rained until 3 p.m.; there were 11 straight days of rain; he moved camp once more to Haley's Bay, where they stayed until November 24.


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November 15, 1805