William Clark

Profession: Explorer and Leader of Lewis and Clark Expedition

Nationality:

Biography: Along with Meriwether Lewis, he helped lead the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803 to 1806 across the Louisiana Purchase to the Pacific Ocean.

In the process, claiming the Pacific Northwest for the United States.

Born: August 1, 1770
Birthplace: Ladysmith, Colony of Virginia, British America
Star Sign: Leo

Died: September 1, 1838 (aged 68)

Married Life

1808-01-05 Explorer William Clark (37) weds Julia Hancock in Fincastle, Virginia

Historical Events

1799-07-24 William Clark is willed the slave York, who would go on to accompany him and play an important role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition
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