Travels to the Source of the Missouri River
And Across the American Continent to the Pacific Ocean 1804, 1805, and 1806

Lewis and Clark's Expedition of 1804–1806 was of vital importance to the western expansion of the United States.

Meriwether Lewis (Author), Wiilliam Clark (Author), Thomas Rees (Edited by)

9781108023795, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 December 2010

458 pages, 3 maps
21.6 x 14 x 2.6 cm, 0.58 kg

The Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804–1806 across America from Pittsburg to the Pacific and back was the third recorded transcontinental journey. President Jefferson had negotiated the Louisiana Purchase of over two million square kilometres from the French in 1803, and the aim of the expedition was to investigate the territory involved. He commissioned a Corps of Discovery as a scientific and military expedition to survey the acquisition, appointing his aide Meriwether Lewis (1774–1809) to lead it. It was hoped to discover that the Missouri and other rivers could be used for transcontinental communication and transport, and to assess the natural resources of the area. Some of the party returned east with specimens, reports and a map, while the remainder reached the Pacific in December 1805. Volume 2 covers the journey from Three Forks, Montana, the source of the Missouri, to the Pacific, and their winter quarters.

12. The party embark on board the canoes
13. The name of the Missouri changed, as the river now divides itself into three forks, one of which is called after Jefferson, the other Madison, and the other after Gallatin
14. Captain Lewis proceeds before the main body in search of the Shoshonees
15. Affecting interview between the wife of Chaboneau and the chief of the Shoshonees
16. Contest between Drewyer and a Shoshonee
17. The party, after procuring horses from the Shoshonees, proceed on their journey through the mountains
18. The party proceed in canoes
19. The party in their passage still visited by the Indians
20. First appearance of tide water in the Columbia River
21. Extravagant passion of the natives for blue beads, which constitute amongst them the circulating medium of the country
22. A party, headed by Captain Clarke, go in quest of a whale driven on the shore of the Pacific to obtain some of its oil
23. An account of the Clatsops, Killamucks, Chinnooks, and Cathlamahs.

Subject Areas: History of the Americas [HBJK]