Meriwether Lewis

American explorer (1774-1809)

Meriwether Lewis (August 18, 1774 – October 11, 1809) was an American explorer, soldier, and public administrator. He was best known for his role as the leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with William Clark. Their mission was to explore the territory of the Louisiana Purchase, establish trade and sovereignty over the natives near the Missouri River, and claim the Pacific Northwest and Oregon Country for the United States before European nations. They also collected scientific data, and information on indigenous nations.[1] President Thomas Jefferson appointed him Governor of Upper Louisiana in 1806.[2][3] He died of gunshot wounds in what was an act of suicide.

Meriwether Lewis
2nd Governor of Louisiana Territory
In office
March 3, 1807 – October 11, 1809
Appointed byThomas Jefferson
Preceded byJames Wilkinson
Succeeded byBenjamin Howard
Personal details
Born(1774-08-18)August 18, 1774
Ivy, Virginia Colony
DiedOctober 11, 1809(1809-10-11) (aged 35)
Hohenwald, Tennessee
Spouse(s)none
Alma materLiberty Hall (Washington and Lee University), 1793
Occupationexplorer, soldier, politician
Signature

References

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  1. Fritz, Harry W. (2004). The Lewis and Clark Expedition. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 59. ISBN 0-313-31661-9
  2. Defender Wilson, Mary Louise; Fenelon, James V. (2004). Voyage of Domination, "Purchase" as Conquest, Sakakawea for Savagery: Distorted Icons from Misrepresentations of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Wicazo Sa Review. University of Minnesota Press. 19 (1): pp. 90–1.
  3. Miller, Robert J. (2008). Native America, Discovered and Conquered: Thomas Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, and Manifest Destiny. Bison Books. p. 108. ISBN 0803215983
    ISBN 978-0803215986

Other websites

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