Meriwether Lewis
Meriwether Lewis (August 18, 1774 – October 11, 1809) was an American explorer, soldier, politician, and public administrator, best known for his role as the leader of the
Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the
Corps of Discovery, with
William Clark.
Their mission was to explore the territory of the
Louisiana Purchase, establish trade with, 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 either a murder or suicide, in 1809.
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