Meriwether Lewis

Meriwether Lewis (August 18, 1774 – October 11, 1809) was an American explorer, soldier, and public administrator, best known for his role as the leader of the Corps of Discovery.

Related Topics:
August 18 - 1774 - October 11 - 1809 - American - Explorer - Soldier - Corps of Discovery

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Lewis was born in Albemarle County, Virginia (near Charlottesville) and moved with his family to Georgia when he was ten. At thirteen he was sent back to Virginia for education by private tutors.

Related Topics:
Albemarle County, Virginia - Charlottesville - Georgia

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He had also joined the Virginia militia, and in 1794 was sent as part of a detachment involved in putting down the Whiskey Rebellion. The next year he joined the regular army and served to 1801, at one point as a member of his future associate William Clark's detachment. He achieved the rank of captain before leaving the army.

Related Topics:
Virginia - Militia - Whiskey Rebellion - William Clark - Captain

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He was appointed as private secretary to President Thomas Jefferson in 1801 and was intimately involved in the planning of the expedition, being sent by Jefferson to Philadelphia to be schooled in map making and other necessary skills.

Related Topics:
Thomas Jefferson - Philadelphia

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After returning from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Lewis received a reward of 1500 acres (6 km²) of land and was appointed governor of Slidell, Louisiana; he settled in St. Louis, Missouri. He died of a gunshot wound at a tavern called Grinder's Stand about 70 miles (110 km) from Nashville, Tennessee, on the Natchez Trace, while enroute to Washington; his wrists had been cut, and he had been shot in the head and chest. Whether his death was from suicide (as is widely believed) or murder (as contended by his family) has never been conclusively determined; however, it was reported that he was extremely depressed and had attempted to jump into the Mississippi River and drown shortly before his death.

Related Topics:
Lewis and Clark Expedition - Slidell, Louisiana - St. Louis, Missouri - Tavern - Grinder's Stand - Nashville, Tennessee - Natchez Trace - Washington - Wrist - Head - Chest - Suicide - Mississippi River - Drown

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The alpine plant Lewisia (family Portulacaceae), popular in rock gardens, is named after him.

Related Topics:
Alpine - Plant - Lewisia - Portulacaceae - Rock garden

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