Question
Here is the question : LEWIS AND CLARK REACHED THE PACIFIC OCEAN BY WHAT RIVER?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Mississippi
- Yakima
- Columbia
- Klamath
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Two significant rivers served as the bookends for Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s historic trek west in the early 19th century. The Missouri River was the first, giving the two explorers and their expedition team access all the way to the river’s sources in Montana. Lewis and Clark traveled the Lolo Pass before continuing on the Clearwater River to the Snake River in present-day Idaho. From there, they made their way down Washington’s Columbia River until they arrived at the Pacific Ocean.
The Columbia River: Lewis and Clark’s Gateway to the Pacific
In the early 19th century, the Lewis and Clark Expedition embarked on a historic journey to explore the uncharted territories of the American West. Their quest to reach the Pacific Ocean and establish a connection between the eastern and western parts of the continent led them to a mighty river—the Columbia River. This article delves into the significance of the Columbia River in Lewis and Clark’s expedition, highlighting its role as a gateway to the Pacific and its impact on the exploration and settlement of the American West.
The Columbia River, with its origins in the Canadian Rockies, is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Stretching over 1,200 miles (1,930 kilometers), it flows through the present-day states of Washington and Oregon before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. For Lewis and Clark, the Columbia River became a vital waterway that guided them on their journey to the western coast.
In their quest to find a route to the Pacific, Lewis and Clark, along with their Corps of Discovery, embarked on an arduous and treacherous expedition that began in 1804. They traversed vast landscapes, crossed formidable mountain ranges, and encountered numerous rivers and waterways. It was when they reached the headwaters of the Missouri River in present-day Montana that they faced a critical decision—to follow the Missouri River to its source or seek an alternative route via other waterways.
Lewis and Clark chose the latter option, as they believed that following the Missouri River to its source would require an excessively long and difficult journey. Instead, they set their sights on the Columbia River, which they hoped would provide them with a more direct route to the Pacific. This decision proved to be pivotal in their quest for exploration and discovery.
As Lewis and Clark descended the Columbia River, they encountered a rugged and challenging terrain. The river’s currents, rapids, and unpredictable weather posed significant obstacles to their progress. However, their determination and perseverance propelled them forward. The Columbia River served as their guide, leading them closer to their ultimate goal—the Pacific Ocean.
On November 7, 1805, after months of arduous travel, Lewis and Clark finally reached the mouth of the Columbia River, where it meets the Pacific Ocean. The sight of the vast expanse of the Pacific brought a mix of awe, relief, and accomplishment to the explorers. They had successfully completed their mission, establishing a connection between the eastern and western parts of the continent and opening up new possibilities for trade and settlement.
The exploration of the Columbia River by Lewis and Clark had far-reaching consequences. Their expedition paved the way for further exploration and settlement of the American West. The knowledge they gained about the river, its tributaries, and the surrounding land