Lewis and Clark Expedition The Lewis and Clark Expedition was the first exploration by the United States government of the northwestern wilderness. This expedition, which was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, began in 1804 and lasted more than two years. Lewis and Clark started up the Missouri River from St. Louis and traveled almost 7,700 miles to the Pacific Coast. They returned with maps of the frontier and information about the region’s natural resources …showed first 75 words of 468 total…

…showed last 75 words of 468 total…result of the expedition was that it enabled the United States to claim the Oregon region. The purchase of the Louisiana Territory and the Oregon region played an important role in the settlement of the West. The explorers established peaceful contact with most of the Indian tribes that they encountered. The expedition was very helpful to the United States and the people. For their accomplishments, Lewis and Clark have become important figures in our history.