Jefferson's Vision Gallery

Early explorers’ reports helped spur interest in the fur trade, stake United States claims to the Northwest, and increase knowledge of western lands and Indian tribes.

statue of Thomas Jefferson — National Park Service, Tom Dewey

St. Louis shaped the West. President Thomas Jefferson knew that the Spanish and British had mapped much of the Pacific Coast and Canada. The Lewis and Clark Expedition was part of Jefferson’s vision for the United States and the ongoing struggle among nations for supremacy in North America. In 1803, Jefferson asked Meriwether Lewis to lead this critical mission. In May 1804, Lewis, Clark, and a crew of about 50 set out from the St. Louis area. They returned to St. Louis in September 1806. More would go west from St. Louis to trade and explore, shaping the future of the continent.

Learn More About This Era

The Man With The Plan
Thomas Jefferson

Learn about Thomas Jefferson's life and presidency
Take a bite outta history
Mastodon Teeth

Mastodons were one of the hottest new scientific discoveries in early 18th century North America.
Bison Hide Tipi

The tipi has been on display since 2009.
The Titian Ramsay Peale Collection

Includes several items belonging to the famous early naturalist explorer and artist
$Leather-bound journal with feather, compass in a square wooden case, refracting telescope$

Corps of Discovery Journey

Learn about the famous journey taken by Lewis and Clark and several dozen other folks.