What would you risk to explore the unknown?

In this immersive episode of The Lived History Podcast, you'll step into the boots of a member of the legendary Corps of Discovery as you journey alongside Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacagawea on one of the most ambitious expeditions in American history.

Following the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, President Thomas Jefferson charged the expedition with exploring the newly acquired territory, documenting its geography, studying its plants and animals, building relationships with Native nations, and searching for a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.

Through our Primary Source Spotlight, you'll hear directly from Jefferson's original instructions to Meriwether Lewis before the expedition ever began. Along the way, you'll face the same difficult choices the Corps of Discovery encountered—navigating dangerous rivers, crossing the Rocky Mountains, surviving harsh conditions, and deciding whether to press forward when the mission seemed impossible.

You'll also hear a special Voices of History segment highlighting the remarkable contributions of Sacagawea, whose knowledge, courage, and leadership helped shape the success of the expedition.

🧭 The Louisiana Purchase and Jefferson's vision for the American West

📜 Primary Source Spotlight: Thomas Jefferson's Instructions to Meriwether Lewis

🛶 Life aboard the Corps of Discovery

🏔️ The challenges of crossing the Rocky Mountains

🤝 Encounters with Native nations through diplomacy and cooperation

🎙️ Voices of History: The story of Sacagawea

🤔 Interactive decision points that place you in the expedition

🌎 The lasting legacy of Lewis and Clark's journey—for both the United States and the Native peoples whose homelands they explored

History isn't just what happened—it's how people lived it.

Understand History. Understand People. Understand Yourself.