![lewis and clark corps of discovery camp chef lewis and clark corps of discovery camp chef](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a8/e2/7c/a8e27c9322f65f37b61e18f55e295f8a.jpg)
In December 1803 William Clark established "Camp River Dubois" at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, north of St. Jefferson envisioned the nation's eventual expansion to the Pacific, and wanted to strengthen the American claim to the northwest Columbia Basin. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 had doubled the size of the nation, but a good share of the territory the expedition would explore was unmapped. Lewis and Clark were instructed to observe and record the entire range of natural history and ethnology of the areas they explored, and note possible resources which would support future settlement. Jefferson provided the best supplies, clothing, firearms, equipment and rations then available. The expedition was meant to prepare the way for the extension of the American fur trade and to advance geographical knowledge. Jefferson's final instructions to Lewis reflect the broad range of the President's interests. The indigenous Native Americans were already very familiar with these "discoveries." Even though an easy water route across the continent was not found, these accomplishments make the Lewis and Clark Expedition one of the most successful explorations of all time. The geography, flora, fauna and other natural phenomena they documented resulted in an enormous body of scientific information that was new to the western world. The people they encountered represented dozens of unique cultures, and enabled the successful completion of their mission. The beauty they discovered was beyond their wildest expectations. These were the final instructions given to Meriwether Lewis and William Clark before they embarked upon their journey into the Louisiana Purchase.