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Life, Missouri History Today

Missouri History Today May 21, 1804: William Clark, Meriwether Lewis, and the Corps of Discovery set out from St. Charles.

by Missouri Life

President Thomas Jefferson asked William Clark and Meriwether Lewis to find a route to the Pacific coast. On this day in 1804 they left from St. Charles to explore new lands from that Missouri city to the Pacific Ocean.

During their journey, Lewis and Clark braved wild animals and harsh conditions. They encountered many different American Indian cultures, and discovered unknown plant species. 

The Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum in St. Charles is a great place to learn more about the path these intrepid explorers charted, and the knowledge and information they gained.

Based upon content from the Missouri State Archives, timeline of Missouri history, and DiscoverStCharles.com

Photo credit: Normandy Area Historical Association Records, S0420, S0420_46, The State Historical Society of Missouri, Photograph Collection.