Meriwether Lewis 1774 – 1809

Biography

Meriwether Lewis was born on August 18, 1774, in Albemarle County, Virginia, during a transformative period in American history. He would grow to become one of the nation’s most significant explorers, leaving an indelible mark on the early republic’s understanding of the western frontier. His life, though relatively brief, encompassed adventures and discoveries that shaped the course of American exploration and expansion.

Lewis dedicated his career to exploration and discovery, becoming known for his contributions to expanding geographic knowledge of the American territories. His work reflected the spirit of scientific inquiry and frontier ambition that characterized his era, earning him a place among the notable figures of early American exploration.

On October 11, 1809, Lewis died in Hickman County, Tennessee, from a gunshot wound at the age of thirty-five. His remains were laid to rest at Pioneer Cemetery in Lewis County, a final resting place that honors his legacy. Though his life was cut short, his explorations and the knowledge he helped gather continued to influence American geography and westward development for generations to come.