The Lewis and Clark expedition, commissioned by Thomas Jefferson in 1803, aimed primarily to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and establish an overland route to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition sought to gather scientific knowledge about the geography, flora, fauna, and the Native American tribes inhabiting the region. Additionally, it aimed to strengthen U.S. claims to the Pacific Northwest and promote trade opportunities. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with their team, successfully mapped much of this uncharted territory, returning with valuable information that facilitated westward expansion and contributed significantly to American understanding of the nation’s vast landscapes.