The Lewis and Clark Expedition President Thomas Jefferson believed in the existence of a Northwest Passage, or any type of water connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Jefferson believed that the nation that dominated a water passage through the continent could control the future of all of North America. He was also convinced that the West would be a paradise for American farmers. In order to go through with his idea, Jefferson looked to two army officers, Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lietenant William Clark. These two army officers were to become the leaders of the first United States overland exploration of the American West and Pacific Northwest.In June of 1803, Jefferson finally completed his demanding exploration instructions after receiving advice from a number of leading scientists, physicians, and surveyors. In a letter Jefferson wrote to Lewis and Clark, he not only wanted them to find a direct water rout through the continent, but to record information on plants, animals, rivers, mountains, and native cultures....
