The Roles Of The Lewis And Clark Expedition

The Lewis and Clark Expedition consisted mainly in the roles of four different people: Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea. It is important to know these people, for they each had a special impact in American History. From planning to contributing, they all helped with the success of the expedition.

On April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, Virginia, Thomas Jefferson was born. His father, Peter Jefferson, was very successful as a farmer and surveyor. His mother, Jane Randolph, came from a very well known family in Virginia. As a young boy, Jefferson enjoyed reading books and playing the violin. At age nine, he attended a local private school. The school, ran by the Reverend William Douglas, allowed Jefferson to study Latin and

He had one brother and two sisters.. At age five, his father, William Lewis, caught Pneumonia and died. Only six months later, Meriwether's mother, Lucy, remarried to a retired military officer, John Marks. Upon the new marriage, Lewis gained one stepbrother, and one stepsister. Marks moved Lucy and their family to Georgia by the Broad River. As Lewis grew up, he gained a love for hunting and just being in the outdoors in general. Where they lived along the Broad River, were some Cherokee. His mother, along with the Indians, taught him about herbs and fruits. At age thirteen, his parents finally sent him to school in Virginia to get an education. Matthew Maury, Parsons William Douglos, Dr. Charles Everitt, and Reverend James Waddell taught Lewis throughout his time at Liberty Hall, where he graduated in 1793. The next year, by Virginia Militia, he was chosen for detachment to maintain the Whiskey Rebellion. As another year passed, Lewis became a lieutenant, serving the Frontier Army for six years. In the year of 1800, Lewis moved up in rank and became a captain for the U.S. Army. Later on in April of 1801, President Jefferson chose Lewis as his secretary. Working with each other was easier than most, because Lewis and Jefferson already knew each other from childhood. Lewis was also chosen by Jefferson to command or lead a journey of the newly purchased land from the “Louisiana Purchase”. In 1803,

His parents were John Clark, and Ann Rogers Clark. Clark had five brothers and four sisters. At a young age, anyone could tell he was a country boy. As a child, he and his family participated in hunting and shooting events. If not obvious, his family absolutely loved the outdoors. Between hunting and interacting with other outdoor activities, Clark was tutored at home rather than taught at a school for his education. Around the age of 15, him and his family moved to Kentucky for better settlement. Under Major John Hardin in 1789, Clark joined a militia force. Little did he know, only one year later the name Arthur St. Clair would mean so much to him. General Arthur St. Clair, whom was the governor of Northwest Territory, authorized Clark as a captain in the Indiana Militia. He later became an ensign and lieutenant for two Generals in 1791: Charles Scott and James Wilkinson. In 1792, he enrolled in the new Continental Army. The same year, he became a lieutenant of infantry for General Anthony Wade, as he was commissioned by President George Washington. Clark lead the CRC (Chosen Rifle Company) which was involved with the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1974, gaining another victory for the United States. The following year his went on a assignment in New Madrid, Missouri. However, due to unexpected health issues, Clark had no other option but to retire from the army and return home in 1796. Back home, Clark went back to