Lewis and Clark Depart Pittsburgh: The Dawn of a Legendary Expedition

At precisely 11 a.m. on August 31, 1803, Meriwether Lewis stepped aboard a specially crafted keelboat and pushed off from the banks of the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With that quiet but momentous launch, the Corps of Discovery began its epic journey westward-an expedition that would reshape the young United States' understanding of its vast, untamed interior.

The Mission Behind the Journey

Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson shortly after the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition was tasked with:

• Exploring the newly acquired western territory

• Establishing trade and diplomatic relations with Native American tribes

• Mapping the land and documenting its resources

• Searching for a practical water route to the Pacific Ocean

Jefferson's vision was bold: to turn the mystery of the western frontier into a tangible part of the American story.

The Departure from Pittsburgh

Though the full expedition wouldn't assemble until later, Lewis's solo departure from Pittsburgh marked the official beginning. He had spent weeks overseeing the construction of the 55-foot keelboat-designed to carry supplies, scientific instruments, and eventually, the men who would join him.

The Ohio River, winding through thick forests and rugged terrain, was both a highway and a proving ground. Lewis used this leg of the journey to test equipment, gather additional provisions, and recruit men. He also faced challenges: low water levels, mechanical issues, and the ever-present uncertainty of frontier travel.

The Road Ahead

Lewis would rendezvous with William Clark in Louisville, Kentucky, in October. From there, the full Corps of Discovery-eventually numbering over 30 men-would set off up the Missouri River in May 1804. Their journey would span over two years, covering nearly 8,000 miles through harsh wilderness, towering mountains, and unfamiliar cultures.

Legacy of August 31, 1803

Though overshadowed by later milestones-like reaching the Pacific or encountering Sacagawea-the quiet departure from Pittsburgh was the spark that lit the fire. It was the moment when vision became action, and when the boundaries of the known world began to stretch westward.

Today, August 31 stands as a reminder of the courage, curiosity, and ambition that defined the American spirit in its earliest days of expansion.