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Portrait of William Clark

William Clark

William Clark, co-leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, was born in Caroline County, Virginia.

Profession
Explorer, Soldier, Governor
From
Caroline County, Virginia
Born
August 1, 1770
Years active
1789–1838

Early life

Born in Caroline County in 1770, Clark grew up on the Kentucky frontier and served as a militia and army officer.

Career

He co-led the Corps of Discovery to the Pacific and back, serving as its principal mapmaker, and later became governor of Missouri Territory and a superintendent of Indian affairs.

Major achievements

His maps of the expedition were the most accurate depictions of the American West for decades.

Legacy

Clark is remembered alongside Lewis as a pathfinder who opened the continent.

References

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