Meriwether Lewis was a famous American explorer, soldier, politician, and public administrator.
He is best known for his role as the leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, with William Clark.
The expedition's mission was to explore the territory of the Louisiana Purchase, establish trade with and sovereignty over the natives near the Missouri River, and claim the Pacific Northwest and Oregon Country for the United States before European nations.
They also collected scientific data and information on indigenous nations.
President Thomas Jefferson appointed Lewis Governor of Upper Louisiana in 1806. He passed away suddenly in 1809.
Lewis was born in Virginia and raised in Georgia. He joined the army at the age of 18 and served in the Northwest Indian War. He was a close friend of President Jefferson, who appointed him to lead the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1803.
The expedition left St. Louis in May 1804 and traveled up the Missouri River.
They spent the winter of 1804-1805 at Fort Mandan, North Dakota, where they met Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman who became their interpreter and guide.
Also Read: Famous Native Americans in American History
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In the spring of 1805, the expedition continued up the Missouri River and crossed the Rocky Mountains. They reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805 and spent the winter at Fort Clatsop, Oregon.
The expedition returned to St. Louis in September 1806. Lewis and Clark had traveled over 8,000 miles and had explored a vast territory.
They had also made contact with many Native American tribes and had collected a wealth of scientific information.
Lewis was appointed Governor of Upper Louisiana in 1806. He passed away suddenly in 1809 under mysterious circumstances.
Family Overview
Meriwether Lewis came from a well-grounded family, but unfortunately, he lost his father at a young age. He would not have seen much of his father due to him going off to war in 1776 and then dying three years later.
His mother would be the primary influence on his life, and when he was around six years old, she remarried another Revolutionary War soldier who had to retire due to poor health.
Also Read: Famous Revolutionary War Battles
These three would be primary influences on Meriwether, who would also serve in the military and then take part in Western exploration.
He never married but had one child.
All but one sibling married and had children, with his half-sister having many children.
Family Tree Chart
Parents:
William Lewis (1748 - 1779) - He was a Revolutionary War veteran and, if not for his untimely death, may have been elevated in rank. He had four children. He, unfortunately, died after he and his horse fell into an icy lake.
Lucy Marks (1752 - 1837) - She married and had four children. She was a well-respected woman who was known for her intellectual ideas and love of her family. She also came from an esteemed Virginia family.
Spouse: None
Children:
Joseph DeSmet Lewis (1805 - 1889) - His mother is unknown, and he was born out of wedlock, which was looked on as terrible back then. He lived a long life and had two children.
Siblings:
Jane Meriwether Lewis (1770 - 1845) - She married and had three children. She named her youngest after her brother.
Lucinda Lewis (1772) - It is unknown when she died. It is possible she died at birth.
Reuben Lewis (1777 - 1844) - He would grow up and become an Indian agent. He married, but there is no record of children.
Mary Garland Marks (1787 - 1864) - She was the only half-sibling to Meriwether Lewis. She married and had 12 children with her wealthy husband. She died during the Civil War.