Ch. 2 Education in the Early National Period
Biography Reports "Lewis & Clark"
After reading the chapter, I decided to investigate the famous "Lewis & Clark" expedition team that helped chart unknown territories. Although the book only addressed them in a concise matter, I independently researched information on the pair. After looking over many websites I encountered various details about the travelers' lives I previously did not know.
For instance, Lewis was found shot dead in a hotel room in Tennessee and his death still remains a mystery. Clark helped raise Sacagewea's children after she had died and was a Native American activist. (I was surprised the Sacagawea was not mentioned within this section of our book since she was a crucial factor in their travels. Throughout my research she was a key player in the legendary route.) Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy these biographies over the well-known duo! Although our book does not do them justice I hope these biographies will shed some informational light on their lives.
Meriwether Lewis
William Clark
As you can see, Meriwether Lewis was a very determined and resolute individual. His father's passing may have been part of the reason why he enjoyed being outside and documenting all of the local scenery. He eventually had formal schooling but would rather experience the outdoors. Many sources commented on his hunting and survival skills. He had military ties and was eager to begin his work traveling to the new territory when the opportunity arose.
According to the Mariners Museum, William Clark was also a keen outdoorsman but he lacked the formal education Lewis had. He was a very intelligent pupil but did not acquire spelling and grammar skills at a high level. His journals contained many mistakes in regards to spelling and grammar but the quality of them was impeccable.
Some other interesting facts would include that William Clark was not the first choice of Lewis to go on the trip. Clark was not as educated as Lewis and he lacked the fine tuned skills of writing. However, he was an avid outdoorsman and possessed the physical and mental capacity required to carry out the journey. Clark accepted the offer and his maps and journals became the founding documents of the western land. Lewis had to tell the other man he had previously asked that he was no longer needed. This information was pieced together from the various sources I have credited in the above biography reports.
Our book states that President Jefferson was the one who commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore and chart the vast territory of the western lands (Gutek, 2013, p. 41). However, prominent details add to this famous story. Through various research and readings the details turned into what makes this well known story so epic. Lewis was the one first commissioned and then Clark was sought for his handiness in physical attributes and also mental capacities. His maps and journals are infamous to American history.
However, many individuals helped to create the strong foundation of American civilization. Other explorers and inventors made tremendous contributions to the new land that we live in. While trying to decide on the individuals to write a biography on, I had a hard time choosing. Ben Franklin has always been a favorite of mine (not just because he is on the $100 either). His inventions and contributions to society and education are still seen, even today. (Gutek, 2013, p. 42-46). However, since I have always been interested in his work, I had quite a bit of background knowledge and I wanted to research someone who I could learn more about.
The only details I previously knew about "Lewis & Clark" included that they were explores who helped map the western territory with the help of Sacagawea. After researching and reading, they have come alive more vividly in my eyes. They struggled not only with travel hardships, but family troubles as well. Lewis' father died when he was young and then his own life ended in a mysterious death. Clark was a father figure who raised Sacagawea's children and wanted the fair treatment of Native Americans.
Humanistic qualities are not lost even after all of this time. Pain, despair, and immense joy met these two over the course of their lifetimes. Meriwether Lewis lost his father when he was only a teenager. He lived with his mother and stepfather before becoming an adult. William Clark was embarrassed by his lack of formal education but held the talents required to be successful. He was a precise cartographer and studied his surroundings painstakingly.
The voyage took over two years to complete because there was so much documentation to be made along with the traveling mishaps. The trip itself was treacherous and time consuming enough. One reading stated that there were celebrations that lasted over a two week period when they returned from the voyage and exclaimed what they saw. After they returned, William Clark went on to become a key player in politics and American Indian rights. Meanwhile, Meriwether Lewis was found dead from unknown gun shots. Although both led different lives after returning, they are most known for their legendary expedition together.
These co-captains are engraved in American history and represent the adventurous spirit of us all. Without these two courageous men, the west would not have been explored when it was. These two individuals show us that educational backgrounds do not particularly matter as long as you have the skills required. I enjoyed researching Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, I hope you enjoy reading about them as well!
Reference:
Gutek, G. L. (2013). Education in the early national period. An Historical Introduction to American Education. 3rd ed. (pp. 35-74). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press Inc.
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