What was the main purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

The Lewis and Clark expedition, officially known as the Corps of Discovery, was primarily aimed at finding a route to the Pacific Ocean. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the expedition sought to explore the newly acquired lands and determine if there was a practical water route that could be used for trade and transportation to the west. It was vital for facilitating commerce and solidifying American presence in the West.

While mapping existing territories was a part of the expedition's activities, the overarching goal was to open up access to the Pacific, which was crucial for expanding trade networks. Establishing trade with Native American tribes was certainly a facet of the journey, as the expedition interacted with various tribes to learn about the land and resources, but it was not the main focus. Exploring natural resources in the South was not relevant to this expedition, as Lewis and Clark primarily traveled through the northern regions of the Louisiana Territory towards the Pacific Northwest. Thus, the quest for a route to the Pacific Ocean underscores the expedition's critical mission.