American Glorification of the Wilderness

"The most important & beneficial transaction...since the Declaration of Independence."  (Wulf, 155)

Clark, Jefferson, and Lewis

In a recent post, I brought to light the many reasons why Jefferson wanted to push for Western expansion.  Jefferson had absolute faith in Lewis.  He was described as brave, strong, and prudent but also, adapted to the woods, familiar with the native population and knowledgeable in the "three kingdoms".  He would not only explore the Mississippi river, but also "observe, collect, document, and classify.  Jefferson was ecstatic for the possibility of "discovering new profitable crops, flowers in exotic shapes, and trees that would soar even higher than those already encountered."  Jefferson had thought of it all.

“Jefferson planned this expedition in the name of science, but it would also be the beginning of a distinctly American glorification of the wilderness” (Wulf, 159).  For many reasons, Lewis was the perfect man for the job.  From the beginning, Lewis had a keen understanding of plants and the outdoors.  His mother, an accomplished herbal healer, had shown Lewis the wonders of the plant world at an early age.  Like Jefferson, Lewis observed the plants he found for both their possible uses medically, and edible, but also for beauty and looks.

This interest for exploring the west was not only one of knowledge, but a concern for the nation’s wealth as a whole.  Economic concerns had an impact too.  Franklin, Washington, and Madison all had invested in massive plots of land.  They explained the western expansion as protecting the country from future problems.  A growing nation would need growing fields to keep up with population increases.  The only way to do this would be to expand west of the Appalachian Mountains.  Jefferson explained that the west would assure the agricultural and therefore the republican nature of the nation.

Jefferson was very concerned that Lewis and Clark established good connections with the American Indians and carry out many social and political studies.  They held several councils with the Indian tribes they met on their journey.  The Americans wanted to open the door to diplomatic relations and gain access to trading rights with the American Indians.  In making these contacts, they hoped to shift economic relations away from the European competitors and toward American interests.

As both Lewis and Clark traveled, they collected many specimens to send back to the White House.  Among these items: seeds of new vegetables, flowers, dried fruits, living birds, and even buffalo robes they had acquired from the American Indians. All of which would help this new nation grow.  It really is intriguing to see this side of an American President.  Without this book, and class, I honestly never would have known these facts about American history.  It is so very intriguing to see how something like a garden can shape a nations political policy.   

This expedition was key to the growth of this nation.  We wanted to grow, expand, get away from our European roots, and expand our wings.  We had come this far already, and now nothing would stop the American mastodon.  The country would be given new life with the addition of 800,000 acres, room to grow and even more, as our intentions faced westward.  It is easy to see why this purchase, and idea of western expansion was considered "The most important & beneficial transaction...since the Declaration of Independence".  (Wulf, 155)