What was the main purpose of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

The main purpose of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and find a route to the Pacific Ocean. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to undertake this expedition which aimed to gather detailed information about the geography, resources, and the indigenous peoples of the vast new territory.

The expedition also sought to discover whether there was a continuous water route westward to the Pacific Ocean, which was essential for trade and expansion. This knowledge would play a crucial role in the United States' future economic and territorial ambitions. The information gathered during the journey not only enhanced the U.S. understanding of its western lands but also encouraged westward migration and exploration. The successful completion of this mission significantly contributed to the westward expansion narrative in American history.