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​
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The Declaration of Independence is adopted in Philadelphia.
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Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it declares the
13 colonies free from British rule. -
Establishes the revolutionary idea of self-government and national sovereignty.
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Signers of the Declaration of Independence
1803 | The Nation Doubles in Size
Louisiana Purchase
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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.
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The U.S. acquires 828,000 square miles, for $15 million (roughly 4 cents an acre).
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Secures the Mississippi River and New Orleans—
critical for trade and security. -
Jefferson now needs answers: What did we just buy?
1803–1804 | Preparing for the Unknown
The Corps of Discovery
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Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis to explore the new territory.
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Lewis selects William Clark as co-leader.
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The Corps of Discovery trains at Camp River Dubois (near Hartford, Illinois).
Exploring Washington, DC with the
Passport To Your National Parks
As part of America 250, explore the Washington, D.C. area with the Passport to Your National Parks.
The National Parks Passport program is a fun and easy way to track your adventures while visiting the more than 400 sites managed by the National Park Service.
In the National Capital Region alone, there are 22 official locations where you can collect a passport stamp, making it a great way to experience the history and landmarks of the nation’s capital. Don’t have a passport yet?
No problem—click here to purchase a copy:
(Amazon Affiliate).
Lewis and Clark Trail
Icons, Treasures, Legends & Lore
Explore some of the most beautiful and rugged
areas in America
LewisandClarkTrail.com