The Lewis and Clark Expedition was one of the most famous expeditions in American history. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition set out in 1804 to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. Their journey took them across the western half of North America, from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean and back. Along the way, they encountered stunning landscapes, diverse Indian tribes, and abundant wildlife. Let’s explore this epic journey through some riddles!
Riddles About the Purpose and Leaders of the Expedition
Q: I was commissioned by President Jefferson to map the newly acquired lands of the Louisiana Purchase. Who am I?
A: Meriwether Lewis
Q: Jefferson chose us to lead an expedition into the newly acquired western lands. Our last names rhyme. Who are we?
A: Lewis and Clark
Q: We were chosen to explore the Louisiana Purchase and find a water route to the Pacific. Who are we?
A: The Corps of Discovery/Lewis and Clark Expedition
Q: I authorized the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the lands obtained in the Louisiana Purchase. Who am I?
A: President Thomas Jefferson
Q: My co-leader and I led the famous expedition to the Pacific. I kept detailed journals of our discoveries. Who am I?
A: Meriwether Lewis
Riddles About the Route and Geography
Q: We began our journey here where the Mississippi meets the Missouri. What historic city are we in?
A: St. Louis, Missouri
Q: This mighty river carried us north and west over 2000 miles to the Rocky Mountains. Name it.
A: The Missouri River
Q: We portaged our canoes around the Great Falls of this river in Montana. What is it called?
A: The Missouri River
Q: Our expedition followed this river west hoping it would lead to the Pacific. Name it.
A: The Columbia River
Q: We reached this ocean in November 1805 after crossing the Rocky Mountains. What is it?
A: The Pacific Ocean
Q: We spent a miserable winter camped along this river near the Pacific before heading back east. What is it?
A: The Columbia River
Riddles About Native American Encounters
Q: We met this tribe with elaborately decorated clothing and homes along the lower Columbia. Who are they?
A: The Chinook tribe
Q: Peaceful traders who crossed the mountains each summer met us near Lemhi Pass. Who were they?
A: The Nez Perce tribe
Q: This young Indian woman helped us translate when we first met the Shoshone tribe. Who was she?
A: Sacagawea
Q: We struggled to navigate our canoes through the gorges along the Columbia until members of this tribe showed us portages. Name them.
A: The Yakama tribe
Q: We spent a tense night negotiating with this tribe before they allowed us to proceed down the Columbia. Name them.
A: The Walla Walla tribe
Riddles About Wildlife Discoveries
Q: We captured one of these giant furry beasts thinking it was a horned mountain lion. What was it really?
A: A grizzly bear
Q: We were amazed by the herds of these humpbacked, shaggy beasts grazing on the plains. What are they called?
A: Bison or buffalo
Q: At our Fort Clatsop winter camp we marveled at the size of these elk with enormous antlers. What are they?
A: Roosevelt elk
Q: We collected specimens of this unusual rabbit with short ears that lives in the sagebrush. Name it.
A: A pygmy rabbit
Q: The Corps of Discovery was the first to document this rare cat found in the northwest. What is it?
A: The lynx
Riddles About Daily Life on the Trail
Q: Mosquitoes pestered us day and night at this campsite named for the annoyance. Where was it?
A: Camp Disappointment in Montana
Q: My dear brother led the expedition with me. I suffered periods of depression on the trail. Who am I?
A: Meriwether Lewis
Q: We vote on where to camp each night along the trail. What are we?
A: The Corps of Discovery
Q: I was recruited due to my skills as an interpreter and wilderness guide. Who am I?
A: Toussaint Charbonneau
Q: Mosquitoes, snowstorms and lack of food made our stay here miserable. Where was it?
A: Fort Clatsop
Riddles About the Return Journey
Q: On our journey home, we divided into two groups near this Montana landmark. What is it?
A: The Great Falls
Q: My dear friend and co-leader died of gunshot wounds at a lodge along the Natchez Trace. Who was I?
A: William Clark
Q: William Clark and I returned to a hero’s welcome in this city in September 1806. Where was it?
A: St. Louis, Missouri
Q: Though we took different routes, William Clark and I were reunited here in August 1806. What place is it?
A: The confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers
Q: Half of our expedition returned here in April 1805 waiting for Lewis to descend the Marias River. Name it.
A: Fort Mandan, North Dakota
Riddles About the Journals and Legacy
Q: My detailed journals describing hundreds of newly discovered plants and animals were published after the expedition. Who am I?
A: Meriwether Lewis
Q: William Clark gave me his field notes to edit into publishable journals after Lewis died. Who am I?
A: Nicholas Biddle
Q: The Lewis and Clark Expedition greatly expanded US claims to these lands obtained from France. What were they?
A: The Louisiana Purchase
Q: Lewis described my unusual bubble-like fossils found along the Missouri River. Name me.
A: Pompeys Pillar in Montana
Q: The Lewis and Clark expedition established relations with western tribes and paved the way for this 19th century migration. What is it?
A: Westward Expansion/The Oregon Trail
Conclusion
The Lewis and Clark Expedition covers so much rich history and geography that the journey can really come alive through riddles. From the purpose of their travels, to encounters with western tribes, to discoveries of new wildlife, these brainteasers highlight the epic scope of the famous voyage of discovery across early 19th century North America. Exploring the expedition from all angles deepens our understanding and wonder at what Lewis, Clark and the Corps of Discovery accomplished.
