- In order to prepare for the journey, Lewis was sent to the University of Pennsylvania. During his time there, he studied botany, natural history, medicine, mineralogy and celestial navigation. During their journey, Lewis and Clark documented 179 species of plants. Among these were the American silver berry, big leaf maple tree and Jacob's ladder.
- The Lewis and Clark expedition documented many animals. During the expedition, they reported 122 species of animals, birds and fish. Among these were the Aleutian Canada goose, the black tailed prairie dog, the channel cat fish and the coyote.
- As a part of the mission, President Thomas Jefferson stated that Lewis and Clark needed to establish good relations with American Indian tribes. They were also expected to gain whatever linguistic, medical, customs and knowledge of religious practices that they could. Lewis and Clark documented 48 tribes. Among these tribes were the Cheyenne, the Missouri and the Nez Pierce.
- The effect of the Lewis and Clark expedition had positive and negative consequences. According to Nebraska Studies, the expedition heralded the beginning of the end of the Native American's way of life. After Lewis and Clark, Indians were exposed to many other white men. Fur traders, missionaries and soldiers came through and disrupted their way of life. The expedition did provide essential information on the geography and topography of the area, making it possible for expeditions.
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