On May 14th, 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked on one of the most ambitious and consequential expeditions in American history: the Corps of Discovery. Tasked by President Thomas Jefferson with exploring the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and finding a water route to the Pacific Ocean, the Lewis and Clark Expedition would become an iconic symbol of exploration, adventure, and discovery. Today, we explore how this historic journey is commemorated on postage stamps, tracing the footsteps of Lewis and Clark through the philatelic lens and uncovering the enduring legacy of their epic voyage.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition was born out of President Thomas Jefferson's vision of expanding the boundaries of the young United States and unlocking the mysteries of the vast American West. In 1803, with the Louisiana Purchase doubling the size of the nation overnight, Jefferson saw an opportunity to send an expedition to explore the uncharted territories west of the Mississippi River and establish American sovereignty over the region.
Meriwether Lewis, Jefferson's personal secretary, and William Clark, a seasoned frontiersman and soldier, were chosen to lead the expedition. Together, they assembled a diverse group of explorers, soldiers, interpreters, and guides, known as the Corps of Discovery, and set out from St. Louis, Missouri, on May 14th, 1804, aboard a specially commissioned keelboat and two smaller pirogues.
The goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was twofold: to map the geography of the western territories and to establish friendly relations with the Native American tribes they encountered along the way. Over the course of the next two and a half years, the Corps of Discovery would traverse thousands of miles of rugged terrain, from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains, and encounter a host of challenges, including harsh weather, treacherous rivers, and unfamiliar cultures.
One of the most iconic images associated with the Lewis and Clark Expedition is that of Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who accompanied the expedition as a guide and interpreter. Sacagawea's presence proved invaluable to the success of the expedition, as her knowledge of the land and her diplomatic skills helped the explorers navigate unfamiliar territory and establish peaceful relations with the Native American tribes they encountered.
As the expedition progressed, Lewis and Clark meticulously documented their journey, recording detailed observations of the landscape, wildlife, and indigenous peoples they encountered. Their journals, maps, and scientific specimens provided invaluable insights into the geography and natural history of the American West and laid the groundwork for future exploration and settlement of the region.
In addition to their scientific discoveries, the Lewis and Clark Expedition also had profound cultural and geopolitical implications. By establishing American sovereignty over the Oregon Territory and forging alliances with Native American tribes, Lewis and Clark helped pave the way for westward expansion and the eventual settlement of the American West.
One of the most poignant ways in which the Lewis and Clark Expedition is commemorated is through postage stamps. Since the early 20th century, both the United States and other countries around the world have issued stamps honoring Lewis and Clark and celebrating their historic journey of exploration and discovery.
One notable example of a stamp commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition is the 2004 issue by the United States Postal Service, which marked the bicentennial anniversary of the expedition's departure from St. Louis. This stamp featured a striking illustration of Lewis and Clark with the Corps of Discovery, set against a backdrop of the American wilderness, serving as a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and pioneering spirit of the explorers.
In addition to official postage stamps, the Lewis and Clark Expedition has also been commemorated through various philatelic initiatives, including commemorative covers, first-day covers, and stamp albums. These tributes serve as enduring testaments to the enduring legacy of Lewis and Clark and the significance of their epic journey in shaping the course of American history.
Beyond their philatelic value, stamps commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the memory of this historic event for future generations. They serve as educational tools, sparking interest in American history and exploration among collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike, and ensuring that the legacy of Lewis and Clark lives on for centuries to come.
As we commemorate the departure of Lewis and Clark to explore the Northwest today, let us not only celebrate their remarkable achievements but also reflect on the enduring legacy of their epic journey. Through the power of postage stamps, we honor the courage, resilience, and pioneering spirit of the Corps of Discovery and reaffirm our commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the American West.
Sources:
- The Journals of Lewis and Clark, edited by Gary E. Moulton
- Smithsonian Institution: https://www.si.edu/
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail: https://www.nps.gov/lecl/index.htm