Which expedition was commissioned by Jefferson to explore the Louisiana Purchase region?

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The expedition commissioned by Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase region was the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 1803, after the United States secured the Louisiana Territory from France, Jefferson recognized the importance of understanding the vast new lands. He sought to gather detailed information about the geography, natural resources, and the various Native American tribes inhabiting the region.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, chosen for their leadership and skills, set out on this journey in 1804. Their mission involved mapping the territory, establishing trade and diplomatic relationships with Native peoples, and finding a practical route across the western half of the continent, eventually leading to the Pacific Ocean. The success of this expedition not only yielded vital scientific and geographic information but also strengthened the United States’ claim to the region, paving the way for further westward expansion.

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