Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West facts for kids

Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West
Narrated by	Jeff Bridges
Country of origin	United States
Production
Running time	40 minutes

Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West is an exciting 40-minute documentary film. It was made by National Geographic. The film tells the story of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. This amazing journey explored the western part of North America. The movie first came out in theaters on May 1, 2002. It was shown until May 28, 2007. Later, you could watch it at home on VHS and DVD.

This film uses actors to recreate history. They show the adventures of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. These two leaders guided the "Corps of Discovery" from 1804 to 1806. Their mission was to explore the lands that would become the United States. The well-known actor Jeff Bridges narrates the film, guiding viewers through the journey.

About the Film

This documentary brings history to life. It was produced by "Simon and Goodman Picture Company." The film helps viewers understand what the Lewis and Clark Expedition was like. It shows the challenges and discoveries they made.

Actors play the main characters in the film. Kelly Boulware plays Meriwether Lewis. Sonny Surowiec acts as William Clark. The important Native American guide, Sacagawea, is played by Alex Rice. Their performances help make the historical events feel real.

The Great Journey West

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was a very important journey. It happened from 1804 to 1806. President Thomas Jefferson asked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead it. Their main goal was to explore the lands America had just bought. This new land was called the Louisiana Purchase.

Why the Journey Was Important

The expedition had several key goals. One was to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. This would make trade easier. Another goal was to map the new territory. They also wanted to study the plants and animals they found. Meeting and building relationships with Native American tribes was also very important.

The Corps of Discovery

Lewis and Clark led a group called the "Corps of Discovery." This group included soldiers, boatmen, and interpreters. They traveled thousands of miles. They faced many dangers, like harsh weather and difficult terrain. They used boats, walked, and rode horses.

Key Figures on the Journey

• Meriwether Lewis: He was President Jefferson's private secretary. Lewis was chosen to lead the expedition. He was a skilled woodsman and scientist.
• William Clark: He was a former army officer. Clark was Lewis's co-leader. He was an excellent mapmaker and artist.
• Sacagawea: She was a young Shoshone woman. Sacagawea joined the expedition as a guide and interpreter. Her knowledge of the land and languages was vital. She helped the group communicate with different tribes. She also showed them where to find food.

Discoveries and Challenges

During their journey, the Corps of Discovery saw many new things. They recorded hundreds of new species of plants and animals. They drew detailed maps of rivers and mountains. They also met many Native American nations. These meetings were sometimes friendly, sometimes tense.

The expedition faced many hardships. They dealt with hunger, sickness, and dangerous rapids. They also had to cross the Rocky Mountains. This part of the journey was especially difficult. Despite these challenges, they successfully reached the Pacific Ocean. They returned home in 1806.

Legacy of the Expedition

The Lewis and Clark Expedition changed American history. It provided a huge amount of information about the western lands. Their maps and journals helped future settlers. The journey also showed the vastness and beauty of the American West. It remains one of the greatest exploration stories ever.