image: www.traveliowa.com

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image: students.umf.maine.edu

      In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson doubled the size of the United States by purchasing Louisiana from France. The territory consisted of  the land west of  the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, except for the southern corner still claimed by Spain. The total area was 828,000 square miles.  

    Jefferson had a vision of discovering and mapping a northwest travel route. He hoped that there was a water passage connecting the Missouri River to a river flowing to the Pacific Ocean. Also, he desired to learn about the native peoples, the plants and the animals that lived in this unexplored territory.    

    To lead the expedition through the territory Jefferson chose his brilliant secretary, Meriwether Lewis. Captain Lewis was knowledgeable in many areas of science and had excellent observation skills.  Lewis, in turn, chose William Clark to co-captain the journey. Clark was especially talented in map-making and as a leader.

    On August 31, 1803, Lewis left Pittsburgh on his keel boat and began his travels west on the Ohio River. The Corps of Discovery, as the expedition was called, wintered at Camp Wood, Illinois. In the spring of 1804, the captains, along with  forty-five select men and Lewis's Newfoundland retriever, Seaman, set sail for uncharted land.

     Never before had an American expedition been sent with such a great purpose and anticipation of discovery. What would it have been like to be a member of this hearty, courageous crew? As you complete your scrapbook for this webquest, imagine yourself to be a soldier on the journey. Reflect on your feelings and actions as you are confronted with the mystery and amazement of experiencing the "unknown."

Now report for duty by determining your TASK.