Lewis and Clark set out to explore Louisiana Territory.

The departure of the Corps of Discovery from Camp Dubois on May 14, 1804, marks a significant event in American history, launching what is commonly known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, this expedition was a monumental undertaking aimed at exploring the vast territories west of the Mississippi River that comprised the Louisiana Purchase. Background The United States acquired the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803 under the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. This immense region stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border. The acquisition doubled the size of the United States, but much of it was unmapped and unknown to Americans at the time. President Jefferson was eager to have the area explored, both to understand the geographical landscape and to establish an American presence before European powers could challenge U.S. claims. The Corps of Discovery The Corps of Discovery consisted of a select group of U.S. Army volunteers, civilian contractors, and eventually, Native American interpreters and guides. Meriwether Lewis, Jefferson’s private secretary, was appointed as the commander of the expedition, with William Clark serving as co-leader. Their mission was to explore the Missouri River, establish trade with Native American tribes, document flora and fauna, and scout out possible routes for commerce and expansion. Departure from Camp Dubois The expedition set out from Camp Dubois, located near present-day Wood River, Illinois, at 4 pm on May 14, 1804. This camp had served as their winter quarters where they prepared for the journey, gathered supplies, and trained. The departure was a momentous occasion, filled with a sense of anticipation and uncertainty. The team included about 45 people at the time of departure, equipped with a keelboat and two smaller boats loaded with supplies for the journey ahead. Journey and Legacy The expedition would take over two years to complete, covering over 8,000 miles. The journey led them up the Missouri River, through the Rocky Mountains, and ultimately to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, they made significant contributions to the mapping and scientific knowledge of the American West, encountered numerous Native American tribes, and documented hundreds of plant and animal species previously unknown to science. The Lewis and Clark Expedition remains one of the most celebrated adventures in American history. It embodies the spirit of discovery and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and expansion that characterized early American frontier life. The departure from Camp Dubois symbolizes the beginning of one of the most epic adventures in American history. It set the stage for the vast expansion and exploration that would follow, playing a crucial role in shaping the United States as we know it today. #LewisAndClark #CorpsOfDiscovery #AmericanHistory #LouisianaPurchase #Exploration #FrontierAdventure #CampDubois #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife