- American explorer, soldier, and public administrator who led the Lewis and Clark Expedition across the western portion of the United States from 1804 to 1806.
- He was born in Albemarle County, Virginia.
- His parents were William Lewis, a prominent planter, and Lucy Meriwether Lewis.
- Lewis had two older sisters and six younger brothers.
- He received his early education at home from tutors.
- In 1794, he entered the University of Pennsylvania to study medicine, but he left after two years without completing his degree.
- In 1795, he was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Army.
- He served under General Anthony Wayne in the Northwest Indian War.
- In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson appointed Lewis to lead an expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory.
- The expedition, which included William Clark as co-leader, lasted for two years and covered over 8,000 miles.
- During the expedition, Lewis and Clark made contact with many Native American tribes and collected a wealth of information about the plants, animals, and geography of the region.
- After returning from the expedition, Lewis was appointed governor of the Louisiana Territory.
- He served as governor for three years, but he resigned in 1809 due to ill health.
- Lewis died on October 11, 1809, at Grinder's Stand, Tennessee, at the age of 35.
- The cause of his death is uncertain, but it is believed that he may have committed suicide.
- Lewis is considered one of the greatest explorers in American history.
- His contributions to the exploration of the West paved the way for the settlement and development of the United States.
- He is remembered for his courage, leadership, and scientific curiosity.