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On February 28, 1803, Congress appropriated funds for an expedition into the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase, and Meriwether Lewis who had worked closely with Thomas Jefferson on preparations for it was commissioned its leader. As Jefferson made arrangements for the Expedition, Lewis concluded it would be desirable to have a co-commander. He offered the assignment to his friend and former commanding officer, William Clark. The two men were to share joint command as they explored, mapped, and studied a new route to the Pacific. hide information

On February 28, 1803, Congress appropriated funds for an expedition into the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase, and Meriwether Lewis who had worked closely with Thomas Jefferson on preparations for it was commissioned its leader. As Jefferson made arrangements for the Expedition, Lewis concluded it would be desirable to have a co-commander. He offered the assignment to his friend and former commanding officer, William Clark. The two men were to share joint command as they explored, mapped, and studied a new route to the Pacific. This stamp was issued by the Postal Service on May 1, 2004 .