Discover the Iliniwek

At Iliniwek Village State Historic Site in Wayland, visitors can view well-preserved remnants left behind by a dozen Native American tribes known as the Illinois Confederation and enjoy the natural beauty of Missouri's northeastern corner.


Lewis and Clark

The Lewis and Clark Expedition Sets Out For St. Charles: May 14, 1804

On this date in history, the Lewis and Clark Expedition—also known as the Voyage of Discovery—sets out across Missouri to explore the lands west of the Mississippi.


Meriwether Lewis and William Clark Expedition Stamp

Meriwether Lewis Arrives Back in St. Louis as Governor: March 8, 1808

The hero of the Corps of Discovery arrived to take up his position as governor on this date in 1808, almost a full year after he'd been appointed to the role.


Missouri History Today September 23, 1806: Lewis And Clark Arrive Home In Time For Land Debates

Missouri History Today September 23, 1806: Lewis And Clark Arrive Home In Time For Land Debates


Lewis and Clark Camped by the Meramec River

On November 30, 1803, Lewis and Clark camped just north of the Meramec River in what is now St. Louis County.  


United States map showing the area included in the Louisiana Purchase.

The Louisiana Purchase

The U.S. Senate approves the Louisiana Purchase that adds more than 800,000 acres of land – including what would become Missouri – to more than double the size of the United States.


Statue of famed Missouri explorers Lewis and Clark.

Lewis and Clark Expedition Returns

On September 23, 1806, the Lewis and Clark expedition returned to St. Louis.


July 9, 1804

Lewis and Clark were exploring in present day Holt County.


June 26, 1804

Lewis and Clark had now traversed the entire breadth of the future state of Missouri. They were at the present site of Kansas City and preparing to start north along the western edge of our state.