In 1804, Lewis and Clark began the first exploration of the American west. They began their journey in St. Louis, and followed which river westward for 1,000 miles ?

In 1804, the monumental journey of the Corps of Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, commenced its westward exploration. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase, the expedition's primary goal was to chart the vast, newly acquired western territories and discover a practical water route to the Pacific Ocean. While preparations and training took place at Camp Dubois in Illinois, the expedition officially departed from St. Charles, Missouri, and immediately began its arduous ascent of the Missouri River.

For approximately 1,000 miles, the Missouri River served as the expedition's main highway into the unknown American West. Navigating against the strong current in their keelboat and pirogues, the crew often had to row, pole, or even pull their vessels from the shore. This initial leg of their journey was critical for establishing contact with various Native American tribes, documenting the rich biodiversity, and meticulously mapping the unfamiliar landscapes.

The river's course presented numerous challenges, from shifting sandbars and snags to the sheer physical exertion required to move upstream. Along this vital waterway, Lewis and Clark began to fulfill Jefferson's vision, recording new species of plants and animals and observing the geography that would shape the future of the nation. Their persistent progress up the Missouri laid the groundwork for further American expansion and understanding of the continent.