Meriwether Lewis

Profession: Explorer and Leader of Lewis and Clark Expedition

Nationality:

Biography: Known for his role as the leader of specially-established unit of the US Army called "Corps of Discovery" with William Clark.

The unit undertook the famous Lewis & Clark expedition to the Pacific coast of America.

Born: August 18, 1774
Birthplace: Ivy, Virginia, USA
Star Sign: Leo

Died: October 11, 1809 (aged 35)
Cause of Death: Gunshot wounds under mysterious circumstances that could have been murder or suicide along the Natchez Trace in Tennessee at an inn called Grinder's Stand

Historical Events

1804-05-14 Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's expedition sets out from St. Louis for the Pacific Coast, commissioned by Thomas Jefferson
1805-04-07 Lewis and Clark Expedition leaves Fort Mandan (on the Missouri River near what is now Washburn, North Dakota), beginning their journey to the Pacific Ocean
1805-05-26 Lewis and Clark first sight the Rocky Mountains
1805-11-07 Lewis and Clark Expedition first sights the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River
1805-11-19 Lewis and Clark expedition, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, reaches the Pacific Ocean, first European Americans to cross the west
1806-01-08 Explorer William Clark views skeleton of a 105 ft whale washed up on Cannon Beach, inhabited by the Tillamook Nation (modern Oregon)
1806-09-23 Lewis and Clark return to St Louis from Pacific Northwest
1904-04-13 US Congress authorizes Lewis and Clark Exposition $1 gold coin
1905-06-01 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition opens in Portland, Oregon
2001-01-17 President Clinton honors Lewis and Clark Expedition, posthumously raises William Clark's rank from Lieutenant to Captain, makes Honorary Sergeant Shoshone female guide Sacagawea, and York, enslaved by William Clark, who assisted expedition

Biographies and Sources

The Beached Whale - Discover Lewis and Clark