Lewis and Clark Expedition Sparked by Pricey Camping Gear
PRINCETON, NJ—Historians at Princeton University revealed Thursday that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark launched their famous expedition to justify buying expensive camping gear, not just to map new U.S. territory.
Newly found journal entries show the duo spent heavily at a St. Louis outfitter in 1803. They bought lavish items like mahogany trekking poles, calf-leather boots, and silver canteens. “Lewis and Clark felt silly leaving such costly gear unused,” said Professor Burt Trehorn. “Their trip wasn’t mainly about the Louisiana Purchase. Instead, they wanted to use their hardtack, tallow, and salt pork before it spoiled.”
The pair also splurged on a keelboat, worth about $80,000 today. “Imagine buying such an expensive boat and not using it,” Trehorn noted. “They had to take it on the river.”
After reaching the Pacific Coast in 1806, Lewis and Clark admitted they disliked the outdoors. They sold their gear at a huge loss to local Native Americans.