top of page
America 250From Independence to Discovery.png
America 250 From Independence to Discovery - Follow the story from 1776 to the Lewis and
America 250From Independence to Discovery.png

America 250: From Independence to Discovery
Follow the Story from 1776 to the Lewis and Clark Expedition

1776 | A Nation Is Declared
Declaration of Independence​

  • The Declaration of Independence is adopted in Philadelphia.

  • Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it declares the
    13 colonies free from British rule.

  • Establishes the revolutionary idea of self-government and national sovereignty.

  • Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence

1783 | Independence Secured
Treaty of Paris

  • Great Britain formally recognizes the United States as an independent nation.

  • U.S. territory now stretches to the Mississippi River.

  • The young republic begins looking west—with curiosity and ambition.

treaty-of-paris.jpg

1787–1791 | A Government Takes Shape
U.S. Constitution & Bill of Rights

  • The United States Constitution (1787) creates a
    stronger federal government.

  • The Bill of Rights (1791) guarantees fundamental freedoms.

  • Stability allows the nation to think beyond survival toward growth.

constitution_we_the_people.jpg

1803 | The Nation Doubles in Size
Louisiana Purchase

  • January 18, 1803, President Thomas Jefferson formally asked Congress to fund an ambitious exploration west of the Mississippi.

  • April 30,1803, the Louisiana Purchase was signed with France.

  • The U.S. acquires 828,000 square miles, for $15 million (roughly 4 cents an acre).

  • Secures the Mississippi River and New Orleans—critical for trade and security.

  • Jefferson now needs answers: What did we just buy?

louisiana-purchase-treaty-.jpg

1803–1804 | Preparing for the Unknown
The Corps of Discovery

  • Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis to explore the new territory.

  • Lewis selects William Clark as co-leader.

  • The Corps of Discovery trains at Camp River Dubois (near Hartford, Illinois).

routeofcorps.jpg

1804–1806 | A Continent Explored
Lewis & Clark Expedition

  • Departing from Camp River Dubois on May 14, 1804,
    the Corps of Discovery reaches the Pacific Ocean in November 1805 and returns safely in September 1806.

The Journey of the Corps of Discovery by
Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns

Lewis and Clark Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan.jpg
National Geographic - Lewis & Clark: The Great Journey West!
New Volume (E:)

National Geographic - Lewis & Clark: The Great Journey West!

Lewis and Clark Trail
Icons, Treasures, Legends & Lore

Iconic Landmarks & Places

Include on your travel bucket list

National Treasures

Show Me

Discover Legends & Lore

Cultural Connections

Lolo Trail.jpg

Explore some of the most beautiful and rugged
areas in America 

LewisandClarkTrail.com

bottom of page