One of the most memorable events of Thomas Jefferson's administration was the expedition to the Pacific Ocean led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Jefferson took advantage of a unique opportunity and purchased from France what today we know as the Midwest - the drainages of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The expedition established American sovereignty over the new lands as well as exploring the Pacific Northwest and the Columbia River drainage. The expedition reminds us of the role the US Army had in exploring and administering. Enjoy!

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