![lewis and clark corps of discovery expedition journal lewis and clark corps of discovery expedition journal](https://www.nps.gov/articles/images/626px-Clark_Family_Collection-_Volume_2.jpg)
Exploration became particularly important after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, which added to the nation extensive and unmapped lands west of the Mississippi River. After winning the presidential election of 1800, he put the idea into motion. ( Independence National Historical Park)įor several decades, Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) had planned a national expedition into the West. Meriwether Lewis, the private secretary of President Thomas Jefferson, was chosen to lead the nation’s first federally funded scientific expedition. Peale then displayed the objects-diplomatic gifts from western Indians-in a special exhibit and painted this portrait of Meriwether Lewis, which later became part of the collections of Independence National Historical Park. After completing the expedition in 1806, Lewis returned to the city and bequeathed many of his western treasures to Peale. One of their stops while in Philadelphia was to the natural history museums of Charles Willson Peale, who had recently put the world’s first excavated mastodon skeleton on display.ĭuring and after the journey, Philadelphia scientists received the explorers’ western findings to be organized and disseminated.
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More importantly, they learned from local naturalists how to locate new specimens and preserve them. Lewis and Clark purchased camping supplies, clothing, trading goods, food, containers, and scientific instruments in Philadelphia. To prepare for their expedition Lewis and Clark visited Philadelphia to assist in shaping their mission. Independence National Historical Park Meriwether Lewis, the private secretary of President Thomas Jefferson, was chosen as leader of the nation's first federally funded scientific expedition. Meriwether Lewis by Charles Willson Peale, from life, 1807.