The Lewis and Clark Expedition, a monumental journey across the American West, concluded in 1806, yet its recognition and impact on the national consciousness evolved significantly over time. Initially, the immediate aftermath saw President Thomas Jefferson making a brief, one-sentence public statement to Congress about its success, primarily to justify the expenses incurred. While the expedition achieved its objective of reaching the Pacific Ocean,
mapping new territories, and establishing a U.S. presence, the full scope of its scientific and cultural discoveries remained largely unknown to the public for decades. The journey's legacy is a testament to how historical events can gain prominence long after their occurrence.
Initial Aftermath and Delayed Publication
Upon their return, Lewis and Clark faced the daunting task of preparing their extensive journals for publication. This proved to be a struggle, and it was William Clark who eventually persuaded Nicholas Biddle to edit the journals. Biddle's edited version, *History of the Expedition Under the Commands of Captains Lewis and Clark*, was published in 1814. However, Biddle's narrative account notably omitted much of the material related to the expedition's discoveries in flora and fauna. This omission had significant consequences: for the next 90 years, Biddle's account was the only printed version of the original journals available. As a result, many of Lewis and Clark's scientific discoveries were unknowingly rediscovered and given new names by later explorers and scientists.
The expedition did, however, immediately contribute to establishing the U.S. presence in the newly acquired territory and beyond, opening doors for further exploration, trade, and scientific endeavors. The Corps of Discovery brought back a wealth of information about numerous Native American tribes previously unknown to Europeans or Americans, detailing potential trade routes and positions. They also accurately described the geography of their route and returned with botanical and zoological discoveries that intensely interested the American Philosophical Society, which requested specimens, artifacts, and reports on plants and wildlife. Jefferson himself cultivated and studied seeds from "Missouri hominy corn" and other unidentified seeds at Monticello, reporting on the "excellent" food source of the "Indian corn."
From Obscurity to Centennial Celebrations
Despite these immediate contributions, references to Lewis and Clark "scarcely appeared" in history books throughout the 19th century. Even during the United States Centennial in 1876, the expedition was largely forgotten by the general public. It wasn't until the turn of the 20th century that the expedition began to gain significant attention. A pivotal moment came with the publication of *Original Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition* by Reuben Gold Thwaites in 1904–1905. This comprehensive publication finally made the full extent of the expedition's scientific discoveries accessible to the public, nearly a century after their return.
The early 20th century saw a surge in interest, with both the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis and the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland, Oregon, showcasing them as American pioneers. For much of the 20th century, however, the expedition's voyage was primarily celebrated as a narrative of U.S. conquest and personal adventure, with the full extent of its discoveries remaining poorly recognized until the mid-20th century. Since then, the expedition has been more thoroughly researched, leading to a deeper understanding of its multifaceted impact. By 1984, the Lewis and Clark Expedition had become the most famous U.S. exploration party, and its leaders among the most recognizable names in American history. The bicentennial of the expedition around 2004 further elevated popular interest, solidifying its place as a national icon.
