(August 18, 1774 – October 11, 1809)

Meriwether Lewis was a explorer, soldier, and public administrator, best
known for his role as the leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, along
with William Clark, whose mission was to explore territory of the Louisiana
Purchase, establish trade and sovereignty over the natives near the
Missouri River, and claim the Pacific Northwest and Oregon territory for
the United States before European nations. President Thomas Jefferson
appointed him Governor of Upper Louisiana in 1806. He was in office
from March 3, 1897 to October 11, 1809.

Depiction of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Fort Clatsop, south of Astoria, Oregon.