What expedition was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803?

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 to explore and map the newly acquired territory. Jefferson aimed to establish trade with Native American tribes, assess the geographic and scientific possibilities of the region, and determine the feasibility of a water route to the Pacific Ocean.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, alongside a diverse team, set out in 1804 and traveled extensively through the northern portions of the Louisiana Territory, ultimately reaching the Pacific Coast. Their findings contributed significantly to Western knowledge of the area's geography, flora, fauna, and Indigenous cultures, paving the way for future American expansion. This expedition is often viewed as a landmark moment in American history, symbolizing the country’s aspirations of exploration and expansion westward.