Lewis and Clark Expedition, Part 2: Thomas Jefferson’s Western Vision

The New Nation
Written By Tom Hand

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson drafted his official instructions for a great expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory and asked his private secretary, Captain Meriwether Lewis, to lead it. Once assembled, the Corps of Discovery would operate like a small frontier garrison with rigidly maintained discipline. In the end, the group went forward remarkably prepared for what they would encounter over the next few years, a testament to the thorough planning of President Jefferson.

Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses Thomas Jefferson’s plan for western exploration, and why it still matters today.

Images courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, National Portrait Gallery - Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, Montana State Library, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Wikipedia, Wikimedia - Kbh3rd, National Park Service, WikiArt, Architect of the Capitol.

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Tom Hand
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