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. President Thomas Jefferson appointed him Governor of Upper Louisiana in 1806. 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 by | Thomas Jefferson |
| Preceded by | James Wilkinson |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Howard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 18, 1774 Ivy, Virginia Colony |
| Died | October 11, 1809 (aged 35) Hohenwald, Tennessee |
| Spouse(s) | none |
| Alma mater | Liberty Hall (Washington and Lee University), 1793 |
| Occupation | explorer, soldier, politician |
| Signature |  |
References
Other websites
- Meriwether Lewis on The History Channel
- Meriwether Lewis Park and Burial Site
- Meriwether Lewis's grave on Find-A-Grave
- Lewis and Clark Archived 2015-01-07 at the Wayback Machine at C-SPAN's American Writers: A Journey Through History
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