Lewis and Clark.

At the start of Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, the United States of America was still a baby of a country.  He was, in fact, only the third president after the first president George Washington and second president John Adams.  Therefore one can imagine the enormous job that was laid into his hands.  Much of America’s land was still undiscovered and paths were unknown.  To unmask these territories President Jefferson chose a group qualified men to embark on what was still a mystery to many.  Among these men were the president’s sectary, Meriwether Lewis ,and Lewis’s friend,  William Clark.  At the beginning of this adventure Lewis and Clark most likely had no idea the impact they would have on “America the Beautiful.”  For their discoveries will be in the history of our country forever.

As Lewis was first appointed leader to the “Corps of Discovery” I am almost positive he had millions of thoughts running through his head.  “What supplies will I need?”  “How I am I going to lead men into a land that not many have ventured to go?”  “Who and what kind of people will we come across on our journey?”   “Will there be many dangers ahead?”  But all of these questions had to be pushed aside and a clear and certain path had to be drafted out.  To prepare himself as leader Lewis had to educate himself on many topics such as astromony, medicine, and navagition.  The $2,500 given by the government had to be budgeted.  Suppilies like handsaws, compasses, and thermometers all had to be accquired.  With a team of 20 men,  neccestites for survival, and government backing, Lewis and Clark were prepared for their journey.  But would they be prepared for their destined future as explores and dicoverers?

Major source:  http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/

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