A long time ago, in 1804, President Thomas Jefferson had a great idea. He wanted to know more about the land west of the Mississippi River!

President Jefferson asked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the new land. He wanted the two of them to find a way to the Pacific Ocean.

Lewis packed a notebook to write about the animals and plants. Clark was in charge of mapping the land! They both carried their supplies needed for the journey. 

They set off in a canoe and then paddled down the Missouri River. The water was mysterious, and the land around them was wild and new.

The land was unknown and full of crazy surprises. Some of the days were sunny and calm. Other days were rainy, muddy, and long.

They saw animals they had never seen before—buffalo, prairie dogs, and big herds of elk. They made sure to document these new findings in their journals!

They met many Native American tribes. Some gave them food, others showed them safe paths, but there were still some who were not sure of their new friends. Lewis and Clark gave gifts in return!

One day, they met a young woman named Sacagawea. She was Shoshone and knew the land very well. She was very strong, intelligent, and resourceful. 

Sacagawea joined the journey with Lewis and Clark. She helped guide them, find food, and talk with other tribes while carrying her baby on her back!

They traveled through forests, crossed rivers, and climbed hills. The three of them pushed through hard and tough times together. But each day had brought something new!

Then they reached the Rocky Mountains. The mountains were tall, snowy, and hard to cross. But in the end they were beautiful and extraordinary! 

Sacagawea helped Lewis and Clark find the safe paths through the mountains. She knew the land very well and acted as a guide. Her Shoshone people gifted them horses to help them on their adventure!