ocian in view! O! The joy
-William Clark, Nov. 7, 1805

On May 21, 1804, at a time when it took a person six weeks to travel from Pittsburgh to Louisville by boat, a Corps of Discovery set off on the young nation's most ambitious government-sponsored expedition to date. President Thomas Jefferson charged the group with finding a direct and practical water route across the continent; to acquaint themselves with the native tribes en route; to take note of climate, animals, plant life, and mineral resources; and create as accurate maps as possible of their travels.

The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial is being commemorated across the United States from 2003 through 2006.

Exhibit Produced by Kathleen Weessies with special graphics assistance from Theresa Moore and Sara Cook.
Numerous period artifacts courtesy of the MSU Museum.