The Lewis and Clark expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, started its lengthy journey to explore the lands of the Louisiana Purchase in search of a river route across the West to the Pacific Ocean in May 1804. They travelled up the Missouri River all the way to the village of St. Charles. The men received no more supplies or reinforcements after they passed that village. During the summer of 1804, after travelling for more than 600 miles, the Corps of Discovery finally met some Native Americans who helped them and provided them with fresh fruits and vegetables. They also provided them with horses and a guide to lead them across the Rocky Mountains.
The expedition finally reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. Since they had not found a river route to the Pacific, they headed back home in March 1806. The Pike Expedition was established when an army officer, Zebulon Pike, was sent on a mission to find the starting point of the Red River, which was important because it was considered the western border of the Louisiana Territory with New Spain. Pike started out by heading into the Rocky Mountains, aka Colorado, and then tried to reach the apex of the mountain now called ‘Pike’s Peak’. He travelled in Spanish lands in 1807, until he was arrested by the Spanish, who thought he was a spy. Later, when he was released, he went back to the United States and recounted his trip. Even though he was imprisoned, he was pleased to do business with the Spanish. Pike’s expedition gave many Americans an insight into the Southwest. However, if the 2 expeditions are to be compared, the Lewis and Clark Expedition was definitely more successful because although they did not find a continuous waterway to the Pacific Ocean, they located an Indian trail that led from the upper end of the Missouri River to the Columbia River which ran to the Pacific Ocean.
