Meriwether Lewis Esq. 


Aquatint Engraving
1816
Frame: 10 ¼” x 7”; Sight: 8 ¼” x 4 7/8” 
 
Meriwether Lewis: A Look into the Life of a Distinguished Explorer

William Strickland's 1816 portrait of Meriwether Lewis, a well-known American explorer, was featured in the Analectic Magazine and Naval Chronicle. Lewis is most remembered for his extensive expedition across the newly acquired Louisiana Territory with William Clark, which led to a multitude of groundbreaking discoveries and allowed the United States to expand its territory to the Pacific Ocean.

Prior to his successful voyage with Clark, Lewis had served in the military for several years. During their expedition, they navigated the Missouri River and established important relationships with various Native American tribes. The journey also yielded significant findings in the fields of botany and zoology. Once he returned, Lewis was appointed Governor of the Louisiana Territory, where he worked to promote economic growth and foster cordial relations with the Native American tribes. Unfortunately, Lewis died at a young age under mysterious circumstances. Nevertheless, he is remembered as a celebrated explorer and public servant in American history.