Who led the Expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase?

The Expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who were commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson. This journey, often referred to as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, took place from 1804 to 1806 and aimed to explore the newly acquired territory following the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The objectives included mapping the land, studying the local flora and fauna, establishing trade with Native American tribes, and finding a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.

Lewis, who was an army captain and personal secretary to Jefferson, was responsible for the overall planning and direction of the expedition, while Clark, a skilled mapmaker and soldier, played a significant role in the exploration and documentation of their findings. Together, they gathered invaluable information about the geography, natural resources, and indigenous peoples of the region, contributing significantly to the nation's understanding and development of the western territories. The success of their journey marked a pivotal moment in American history, facilitating westward expansion.