As President, Thomas Jefferson presided over the purchase of the Louisiana territory from France. It was the BEST deal in American history, 15 million dollars for 828,000 square miles (4 pennies an acre). To lead the journey, Jefferson wrote to my secretary Meriwether Lewis on July 6th, explaining his goals for the expedition and authorizing him to lead the Corps of Discovery expedition. Lewis will be joined by William Clark to lead the expedition. On the journey west, they will famously be joined by Sacagawea and her husband Touissint Charbonneau. Sacagawea will bear a child on the journey and play an integral role in negotiations with Native American tribes. The purchase included the city of New Orleans, the most important port on the Mississippi connecting the American heartland to trade around the world!

Thomas Jefferson was obsessed with the west and decorated Monticello with artifacts from the journey! Items included animal skins, horns, antlers, and beaded leggings. The entrance to Monticello is a recreation of these artifacts today!