Lewis and Clark Map
Lewis and Clark Picture
The Lewis and Clark Map

Summary: The Lewis and Clark Map provides a fast overview of the outward route taken by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the paths they took on their return journey home. The explorers were hoping to find a 'Northwest Passage', a water route all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition map clearly shows the path taken by the explorers and the ten modern day states they passed through on their historic journey.

Lewis and Clark Expedition - Lewis and Clark Map
 
Lewis and Clark Expedition: Map

The Map of the Lewis and Clark expedition shows the route taken by the famous explorers on their outward journey across ten states to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition began on May 14, 1804 when the Corps of Discovery left Camp Wood, Missouri on their perilous, great journey west to the Pacific Ocean.

  • The outward journey (1804 - 1805) is indicated on the map by the straight dotted line
  • The return journey home (1806) took the same route for their journey home
  • During the return journey they Corps split into separate parties in Montana to explore the Yellowstone and Marias Rivers. They re-joined near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers and traveled the rest of the way together, down the Missouri River all the way home to St. Louis, Missouri.

Lewis and Clark Map - Outward Journey

The Outward Journey that started in Missouri and passed through 10 modern day states to Washington
 

Lewis and Clark Map for Kids: What states did Lewis and Clark travel through?
The Lewis and Clark Map shows the modern day states that Lewis and Clark passed. The names of the modern day states they traveled through are:

1. Missouri
2. Kansas
3. Nebraska
4. Iowa
5. South Dakota
6. North Dakota
7. Montana
8. Idaho
9. Washington
10. Oregon

Refer to the Lewis and Clark Journey Timeline for important dates and events. 

Lewis and Clark Map
A major goal of the expedition was to follow the Missouri River to it’s source and it’s tributaries and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean - a 'Northwest Passage'. It was never to be there was no direct waterway route or a Northwest passage.

Lewis and Clark Map - Scientific Instruments
The task of mapping the route of the expedition was the responsibility of Captain Clark who was experienced in conducting surveys. His map making ability and his maps were one of the greatest achievements of the expedition. He had a few scientific instruments that helped with the map making task including an octant or sextant, a chronometer and a magnetic and surveying compass. When Clark returned from the historic expedition he continued his work on a map of the North American continent which he published in 1814.
Facts about Lewis and Clark Map for kids
  • Fascinating information and interesting facts about the Lewis and Clark Map
  • The expedition route and Map for kids
  • Outward Journey
  • Homeward Journey
  • Fast, fun facts and interesting information about the modern day states they passed through
  • Interesting Facts, History and information for kids and schools
  • Ideal Homework resource: Lewis and Clark Map
  • History of the famous explorers and their journey
  • The famous voyage of discovery and exploration viewed via a map
Lewis and Clark Expedition: Lewis and Clark Map

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