There can be no doubt that the Lewis and Clark expedition was a monumental juncture in American history – the lands that they explored more than two hundred years ago are today home to millions of Americans. However, at the time, most Americans had only a faint conception of what genuinely existed west of their homes. They could not have imagined the spectacular lands of the Pacific coast, territory that would become, arguably, the nation 's most highly sought-after within 50 years. However, this dream would never have become a reality if not for the initial reconnaissance and documentation by Captains Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and their 41-man unit, coined the “Corps of Discovery.” Throughout this unprecedented journey, what was the
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Gass again takes time to comment on the land 's beauty, calling the plains ahead of the river “the most beautiful rich plains, I ever beheld.” Additionally, on pages 129-131, Gass gives a detailed description of the land they had traversed to this point, aware of value it would provide to his employers as well as potential settlers. However, on June 3rd, the crew faced a dilemma – they had come to a fork, and were unsure which was the continuation of the Missouri River. After thoroughly scouting the North and South forks, Lewis and Clark chose the latter, convinced it would lead their crew to the Pacific coast. Their decision was correct; however, the daunting challenge of crossing the Rocky Mountains loomed large in the …show more content…
Louis, concluding a legendary expedition spanning two years, four months, and ten days. The crew was met with joyous congratulations, and the public reaction was largely positive, with several media outlets lauding Lewis, Clark, and their men for their overwhelming success. In an article dated the 11th of November, the Connecticut Herald reported news from Frankfort, Kentucky; drafted on October 9th, shortly following the crew 's safe return. Here they stated that the discoveries made would “doubtless, be productive of incalculable commercial advantages to the western country, at no very distant period,” and would “improve our geographical knowledge of those hitherto unexplored regions,” all the while commending the bravery displayed by the expedition. These statements were both correct, as the paper recognized the significance of the adventure and the implications it would have regarding future American life. Reactions were not entirely favorable, as one Philadelphia Newspaper in April of 1807 criticized President Jefferson, lamenting the fact that “thousands of dollars were voted to the pitiful purpose of rewarding Lewis and Clark for exploring the Spanish interiour.” However, Americans generally appreciated the accomplishments of the Corps of Discovery, excited by the prospects of territorial expansion and new economic
Gass again takes time to comment on the land 's beauty, calling the plains ahead of the river “the most beautiful rich plains, I ever beheld.” Additionally, on pages 129-131, Gass gives a detailed description of the land they had traversed to this point, aware of value it would provide to his employers as well as potential settlers. However, on June 3rd, the crew faced a dilemma – they had come to a fork, and were unsure which was the continuation of the Missouri River. After thoroughly scouting the North and South forks, Lewis and Clark chose the latter, convinced it would lead their crew to the Pacific coast. Their decision was correct; however, the daunting challenge of crossing the Rocky Mountains loomed large in the …show more content…
Louis, concluding a legendary expedition spanning two years, four months, and ten days. The crew was met with joyous congratulations, and the public reaction was largely positive, with several media outlets lauding Lewis, Clark, and their men for their overwhelming success. In an article dated the 11th of November, the Connecticut Herald reported news from Frankfort, Kentucky; drafted on October 9th, shortly following the crew 's safe return. Here they stated that the discoveries made would “doubtless, be productive of incalculable commercial advantages to the western country, at no very distant period,” and would “improve our geographical knowledge of those hitherto unexplored regions,” all the while commending the bravery displayed by the expedition. These statements were both correct, as the paper recognized the significance of the adventure and the implications it would have regarding future American life. Reactions were not entirely favorable, as one Philadelphia Newspaper in April of 1807 criticized President Jefferson, lamenting the fact that “thousands of dollars were voted to the pitiful purpose of rewarding Lewis and Clark for exploring the Spanish interiour.” However, Americans generally appreciated the accomplishments of the Corps of Discovery, excited by the prospects of territorial expansion and new economic