Meriwether Lewis

Date of Birth: August 18, 1774

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: October 11, 1809

Biography

Meriwether Lewis was an American explorer, soldier, and public administrator, best known for his role as the leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery. Born into a prominent Virginia family, Lewis was educated in the classics and received a sound education. He joined the Virginia militia and later the United States Army, where he served under William Clark. In 1801, Lewis was appointed as private secretary to President Thomas Jefferson, who tasked him with exploring the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. The expedition, which lasted from 1804 to 1806, was a significant achievement, mapping vast territories and establishing American presence before European powers could claim the land. After the expedition, Lewis was appointed governor of the Louisiana Territory. However, his life took a tragic turn, and he died under mysterious circumstances in 1809.

5 Interesting Facts about Meriwether Lewis

1. Meriwether Lewis was a close friend of President Thomas Jefferson, who personally selected him to lead the Corps of Discovery.

2. He documented over 300 new species of plants and animals during his travels.

3. Lewis was a skilled cartographer and his maps were used for many years after his expedition.

4. He was awarded 1,600 acres of land for his service in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

5. Lewis struggled with mental health issues, which some historians believe contributed to his untimely death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Meriwether Lewis

1. “The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri river, & such principal stream of it, as, by its course and communication with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, whether the Columbia, Oregon, Colorado, or any other river, may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent, for the purposes of commerce.”

2. “I could esteem this moment of my departure as among the happiest of my life.”

3. “We were now about to penetrate a country at least two thousand miles in width, on which the foot of civilized man had never trodden.”

4. “We were now in a country where no white man had ever been before.”

5. “It will be a long time before we find a proper place for settlement.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a public servant and explorer during his lifetime, Meriwether Lewis did not achieve significant personal wealth. His highest net worth would be considered modest by today’s standards, primarily consisting of land grants awarded for his service.