History Matters - The Return of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, 1806
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ARLINGTON, Va. - Virginir -- by Michael F. Bishop for David Bruce Smith's Grateful American Book Prize

The Return of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, 1806

On September 23, 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition—or the Corps of Discovery as it was known—returned in triumph to St. Louis after nearly two and a half years of exploring the American West. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, the party traveled approximately 8,000 miles, discovered a waterway to the Pacific Ocean, and meticulously documented the flora and fauna of the terrain.

At the end of the journey, the team approached St. Louis in canoes and a pirogue; as they neared, the men fired three rounds in salute; the townspeople gathered along the riverbank and greeted them. According to Clark, they "were met by all the village and received a hearty welcome from its inhabitants." Later that day, Lewis wrote Jefferson to announce their safe arrival—and success—in reaching the Pacific. He reported they had found the most practicable overland route using the navigable branches of the Missouri and Columbia Rivers.

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The company returned with detailed maps, journals, plant and animal specimens, and valuable information on Native American nations; the region's geography and resources. Their findings buttressed U.S. claims to the Oregon Country, stimulated the fur trade, and provided foundational knowledge about future western expansion.

After discharging the group and attending a celebratory dinner and ball, Lewis and Clark prepared reports and specimens for the East; the trek was a noticeable finish to one of America's great exploratory ventures, because it transformed national understanding of the continent's vast interior.

For more information, the Grateful American Book Prize recommends Stephen E. Ambose's Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West.

History Matters is a feature courtesy of the Grateful American Book Prize. For more book recommendations and information about the annual award, visit https://gratefulamericanbookprize.org/.

The 2026 Grateful American Book Prize winner will be announced in October.