American
explorer, soldier, politician, and public administrator Meriwether
Lewis was born August 18, 1774. He’s best known as the leader of the
Lewis and Clark Expedition, which began May 21, 1804.
Lewis
came from humble beginnings. His dad died when he was just 5 years
old, and he didn’t receive a formal education until he was 13. In the
meantime, he became a skilled hunter and outdoorsman as a young boy. He
went on to graduate from Liberty Hall (present-day Washington and Lee
University), join the US army, and became a captain. That’s also where
he met fellow officer and explorer William Clark.
1954 U.S. 3¢ Lewis & Clark Sesquicentennial Stamp |
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After
Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory, he appointed Lewis to lead
the Corps of Discovery Expedition west. Lewis then chose his former
officer Clark to help lead the expedition. |
2004 U.S. 37¢ Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemoratives |
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2004 Fully Illustrated Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Booklet with 20 Stamps |
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Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Portfolio Including 7 Mint Collectibles |
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1981 Fleetwood Postal Card
Postmarked in St. Louis on Anniversary of Their Return |
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2004 Lewis & Clark
Bicentennial Silver Dollar Proof |
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2005 L&C Cover with #3855-56 Stamps Plus 2 Mint “Ocean in View” Nickels |
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Did You Know…
American Surveyor, Soldier, and Militia Officer
George Rogers Clark Was William Clark’s Older Brother |
George
Rogers Clark was an American surveyor, soldier, and militia officer
from Virginia who became the highest-ranking American patriot military
officer on the northwestern frontier during the American Revolutionary
War. He’s best known for his captures of Kaskaskia (1778) and Vincennes
(1779), which heavily weakened British influence in the Northwest
Territory. His capture of Vincennes was honored by the USPS 150 years
later with the stamp below. |
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1929 U.S. 2¢ George Rogers Clark Vincennes Sesquicentennial Stamp |
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1979 George Rogers Clark
Vincennes Bicentennial Postal Card |
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Sacagawea Helps Lewis and Clark on Their Quest |
By
fall of 1804, the Lewis & Clark expedition reached the Missouri
River, where they hired French-Canadian fur trader Toussaint
Charbonneau. His wife, Sacagwea (also spelled Sacajawea), also spoke
the native language, so she was added to their party too. |
Sacagawea Honored on
1994 Legends of the West Sheet |
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