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Meriwether Lewis
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Meriwether Lewis was born on August 18, 1774. He grew up on a large plantation in Virginia, not far from Thomas Jefferson's estate, Monticello. Lewis served in the U.S. army from 1794 until 1801, when he became Jefferson's personal secretary.
For the next two years, Jefferson and Lewis discussed plans for an expedition to explore the land west of the Mississippi River. Jefferson wanted Lewis to head the party of explorers, called the Corps of Discovery. Realizing that this was a huge job, Lewis requested that his friend William Clark share the command.
In 1803, after the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory, Congress set aside $2,500 for its exploration. Lewis then went to Philadelphia to learn more about botany, zoology, and celestial navigation—all of which would be crucial to his mission.
Lewis and Clark's Expedition lasted for three years. The journals that Jefferson had requested the team keep were filled with amazing new information. Their detailed maps made it possible for pioneers to travel farther west.
Lewis and Clark each received 1,600 acres of public land and $1,228, as payment for their work. Lewis went to Washington to collect his payment in the winter of 1807. While he was there, Jefferson appointed him governor of Louisiana Territory, starting that March. Unfortunately, Lewis had started drinking heavily and did not return to St. Louis to take on his duties until March 1808—one full year after his expected arrival.
Lewis faced many difficulties in his new post. Massive disagreements had already sprung up between many of the Native Americans and businessmen in the region. Lewis left on a trip to Washington, D.C. in September of 1809 but he never made it to his destination. His body was found with two bullet wounds—one in his forehead and another in his chest. Lewis had been depressed and during this trip he had spoken of suicide. However, because of the way in which he was shot, whether he was killed or took his own life may never be known.
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After he finished his expedition with Clark and the rest of the Corps of Discovery, Lewis was appointed governor of Louisiana Territory. |
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Thomas Jefferson made Lewis his personal secretary in 1801. Even then, Jefferson was planning on appointing Lewis the head of an expedition through the West. |
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Letter From Jefferson
Read a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to Meriwether Lews.
Biography of Meriwether Lewis
Learn all about the life of this great explorer.
Zoom Explorers
Find out all about explorers from around the world.
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Meriwether Lewis
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