Lewis and Clark Timeline

  • Neighbors

    Lewis served in the army and was neighbors with Thomas Jefferson. Military Event.
  • Period: to

    Early 19th century

  • Secretary

    Lewis was asked by Jefferson to be his secretary. Political Event.
  • Congress Funds

    Jefferson sends a secret letter to Congress asking for $2,500 to finance an expedition to explore the Missouri River. Economic Event
  • Appointing Leaders

    Lewis was chosen by President Jefferson as commander of an expedition to explore new land. Political Event.
  • Louisiana Purchase

    There was a public announcement made for the Louisiana Purchase Jefferson made from the French. Ecnomic Event.
  • Supplies And Equipment

    Lewis stops in Harpers Ferryand purchases supplies and equipment. Economic Event.
  • Preparation

    Lewis and Clark get a keelboat prepared for the journey. A keelboat is a river boat with a shallow draught and a keel. Technological Event.
  • Partners

    Lewis asks Clark, a military leader and explorer, to join him in the expedition. Diplomatic Event.
  • New Men

    Fort Kaskaskia, Illinois - Fort Kaskaskia was an active U.S. Army installation in 1803. 6 men enlisted here. Military Event.
  • Asking Permission.

    Lewis traveled across the river to St. Louis to meet with Spanish Governor Delassus, he asked if he could continue the voyage up the Missouri River. Political Event.
  • Expedition Begins

    Lewis and Clark begin their expedition at the Missouri River. Social Event.
  • Gift Exchange

    Lewis and Clark present gifts to Oto and Missouri Indians and give them peace medals. Social Event.
  • Peace Medals

    A council was held with the Yankton Sioux. Peace medals were distributed to the Indians. Social Life.
  • Hired Interpreters

    Toussaint Charbonneau and Sacagawea are hired as intepreters for the voyage to come along with them. Technilogical Event.
  • Journal

    William Clark writes his most famous journal entry: "Ocean in view! O! the joy." Social Event.
  • Native Chiefs

    President Jefferson receives a delegation of Missouri, Oto, Arikara, and Yankton Sioux chiefs who had met with Lewis and Clark more than a year earlier. Political Event
  • Journey Home

    Lewis and Clark begin their journey home and head back to St. Louis. Social Event.
  • History Today

    In Montana William Clark writeshis name and the date on the rock face of Pompy's Tower - the inscription reads, "Wm. Clark July 25th 1806," which can still be seen today. Polticial Event.
  • Finally home

    After the two year long journey they finally arrived back in St. Louis. Social Event.
  • New Governor

    Jefferson appoints Lewis as governor of the Louisiana Territory and he settled in St. Louis Political Event