Lewis & Clark - Free American History Games for Kids

The Lewis and Clark expedition lasted from 1803-1806. It was the United States's first expedition to cross the newly purchased western portion of the country after the Louisiana Paurchase. Pres. Thomas Jefferson commissioned the exposition in 1803 to explore and map the newly acquired territory.

The greatest real estate deal in US history is a Louisiana purchase! In 1803 the United States purchased 828,000 square miles from France for $15 million, or $18 per square mile. France has controlled the Louisiana territory from 1699 until 1762. The Louisiana purchase extended the United States sovereignty across the Mississippi River, nearly doubling the size of the country. Although it is called the Louisiana purchase it actually includes land from 15 present US states and two Canadian provinces.

Westward expansion began with the Louisiana purchase, the gold rush, the Oregon Trail and a belief in manifest destiny. Pioneers and immigrants built the Overland trails to the American Old West throughout the 19th century beginning around 1829 until 1870 as an alternative to railroad transportation. Immigrants colonized much of North America west of the Great Plains in mass migrations in the mid-19th century. There are many motives for this treacherous journey including religious persecution, inexpensive land and the gold rush. The history of these trails and colonizers who traveled them have become embedded in American culture and folklore. The Oregon Trail, the California Trail, Old Spanish Trail, Santa Fe Trail, Southern Emigrant Trail and the Mormon Trail still have signs along the highways that today's modern travelers can follow. The most common vehicle for Oregon and California colonizers were covered wagons pulled by oxes or mules.10% of the migrants who attempted to cross the United States died during the trip.

Lewis & Clark Games and Activities

Learn about Lewis and Clark (mrdonn)

Interactive story of their trip (PBS)

Lewis and Clark cartoon powerpoint for kids

Test your packing smarts, Be a reporter interactive

How did Lewis and Clark talk to the Indians?

Here's what the Corp of Discovery brought with them

Interactive Trail Map

The Louisiana Purchase Story (mrdonn)

The Louisiana Purchase treaty (pbs)

The Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase Quiz