1804 – 1806

Lewis & ClarkJourney Across America

Follow the Corps of Discovery on their epic 8,000-mile expedition from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and back — through uncharted wilderness, across towering mountains, and along mighty rivers.

The Expedition That Changed America

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and find a route to the Pacific Ocean. Over the course of two years, the Corps of Discovery traveled more than 8,000 miles, documenting hundreds of new plant and animal species, mapping uncharted territory, and establishing relations with dozens of Native American tribes.

Their journey fundamentally transformed American understanding of the western frontier and paved the way for the nation's westward expansion. It remains one of the greatest exploration feats in history.

St. Louis Pacific Ocean Expedition Route 1804 – 1806 | ~8,000 miles Start Destination Route
“We were now about to penetrate a country at least two thousand miles in width, on which the foot of civilized man had never trodden; the good or evil it had in store for us was for experiment yet to determine.” — Meriwether Lewis, April 7, 1805

Expedition Timeline

Swipe through the major events of the two-year journey from St. Louis to the Pacific and back.

Leaders & Crew

Meet the remarkable individuals who made the expedition possible.

Members of the Corps of Discovery

Expedition Route

Explore the full path of the Corps of Discovery across the American frontier.

Route Path
Camps & Forts
Rivers
Tribal Encounters
Discoveries

Challenges Faced

The Corps endured extreme hardships throughout their journey.

Scientific Discoveries

Lewis and Clark documented hundreds of species previously unknown to science.

Encounters with Native Tribes

The expedition encountered dozens of Native American nations, each with rich cultures and traditions.

Supplies & Technology

The tools and equipment that made the expedition possible.

Test Your Knowledge

How much do you know about the Lewis & Clark Expedition?