Amazing Discoveries of Lewis and Clark — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging reading passage teaches students about the amazing journey and discoveries of Lewis and Clark following the Louisiana Purchase. Students will learn about the challenges faced by the expedition, their interactions with Native American tribes, and the important role of Sacagawea. The passage is written to support literacy and history learning, using clear, simple language and grade-appropriate vocabulary. Activities include a glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a timeline of key events. Students can deepen their understanding with a graphic organizer. The passage aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, supporting both historical knowledge and reading comprehension. Read aloud audio and a Spanish translation are included to support diverse learners. This resource is ideal for building foundational knowledge about early U.S. exploration and westward expansion.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Detail Lewis & Clark at Three Forks" by Edgar Samuel Paxson / Wikimedia Commons

The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States in 1803. President Thomas Jefferson wanted to learn more about this new land. He chose Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead an expedition. Their team was called the Corps of Discovery. They started their journey in May 1804, leaving from St. Louis, Missouri.

The group traveled up the Missouri River by boat. They faced strong currents and rough weather. The land was wild and unknown. The team kept careful records of the animals, plants, and people they saw. They hoped to find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis wrote, "The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri River, and such principal stream of it, as, by its course and communication with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent."

During the journey, they met many Native American tribes. Some tribes helped them by giving food and advice. Others were unsure of the strangers passing through their land. A young Native American woman named Sacagawea became one of the most important members of the team. She helped guide Lewis and Clark. She also spoke different languages and helped the group trade for horses and supplies.

The expedition saw animals they had never seen before, like grizzly bears and prairie dogs. They crossed the Rocky Mountains, which was very hard. The weather was cold and food was scarce. Teamwork helped them survive. After many months, they reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. The team cheered when they saw the wide water. They stayed for the winter before heading back east.

Lewis and Clark returned to St. Louis in September 1806. The trip took more than two years. They brought back new maps, plant and animal samples, and information about the land. Their journey helped Americans learn more about the West and inspired others to explore.

Interesting Fact: Lewis and Clark were the first Americans to cross the continent to reach the Pacific Ocean by land. Their journey covered about 8,000 miles.

Who led the Corps of Discovery?

Lewis and ClarkSacagawea and YorkThomas JeffersonJohn Adams

What year did the journey begin?

1800180318041806

Which river did they travel up?

Mississippi RiverMissouri RiverOhio RiverColorado River

Why was Sacagawea important?

She was the presidentShe guided and helped the teamShe made mapsShe owned the land

What made crossing the Rockies hard?

Too much waterCold and little foodNo animalsNo boats

How did meeting tribes help the group?

Gave food and adviceStopped their journeyIgnored the teamTook their boats