The Lewis and Clark Expedition, conducted from 1804 to 1806, was significant for multiple reasons. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, its primary goal was to explore the lands acquired through the Louisiana Purchase and find a route to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition provided valuable information about the geography, wildlife, and indigenous peoples of the western territories. It also played a crucial role in expanding American knowledge and fostering the spirit of westward expansion. The maps and scientific observations made by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark laid the groundwork for future exploration and settlement of the American West.