Great Explorers

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson organized a secret mission to send a small party overland to the Pacific--a daunting trek that no one before had tried. Congress met covertly to approve the trip, because Lewis and Clark would be venturing beyond the United States--onto British soil.
In May of 1804, their contingent of a few dozen men started west up the Missouri River.
Jefferson's hope was that Lewis and Clark would find an easy water route to the Pacific--a simple way west for traders and emigrants alike. He also wanted Lewis and Clark to gather scientific information about the region--after all, no english man had seen the west's plants or animals.
The journey took so long, many assumed the expedition had perished. But on December fifth, 1805, Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific. William Clark wrote "We now discover that we have found the most practicable and navigable passage across the continent of North America."
Lewis and Clark's route was too difficult for wagon traffic. No pioneer wagon would ever follow them. Lolo Pass, where the expedition crossed the most difficult section of the Rockies, is a rough haul even today.
But their expedition was still considered a success. That's because their detailed maps and notes provided a wealth of solid scientific data. The West was a mystery no more.

By Benedict Goh and Yee Ler