Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase describes the United States acquisition of more than 529,911,680 acres (2,144,476 km2) of territory from France in 1803 for about $3/sq. mile or $11,250,000 (which, if adjusted for inflation, would equal approximately $193 million in 2005).

Treaty signing

On April 30 the Louisiana Purchase Treaty was signed by Robert Livingston, James Monroe, and Barbé Marbois at Paris. Jefferson announced the treaty to the American people on July 4.

Related Topics:
April 30 - July 4

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The United States Senate ratified the treaty on October 20, and on October 31 authorized President Jefferson to take possession of the territory and establish a temporary military government. Plans were also set forth for a mission to explore and chart the territory, which would become the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Related Topics:
United States Senate - October 20 - October 31 - Lewis and Clark expedition

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France then turned New Orleans over to the USA on December 20, 1803. On March 10, 1804 a formal ceremony was conducted in St. Louis, to transfer ownership of the territory from France to the United States. In legislation enacted October 31, 1803, Congress made temporary provisions for local civil government to continue as it had under French and Spanish rule and authorized the President to use military forces to maintain order. Effective on October 1, 1804, the purchased territory was organized into the Orleans Territory (most of which became the state of Louisiana) and the District of Louisiana, which was temporarily under the control of the Indiana Territory.

Related Topics:
December 20 - 1803 - March 10 - 1804 - St. Louis - France - United States - October 31 - October 1 - Organized - Orleans Territory - Louisiana - District of Louisiana - Indiana Territory

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