The Lewis and Clark expedition was the first successful attempt to cross the American continent with the objective of reaching the west coast.
The origin of this effort occurred when, after the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803, President Thomas Jefferson decided to sponsor the expedition.
The expedition had 3 objectives. The primary objective was political, as the US government wanted to make sure there were no further settlements from other powers in the territory. The second was scientific, as there was the intention to study the area's plants and wildlife. Finally, the third was economic, as there was the intention of engaging in trade with the Indian tribes that lived in these territories. Businesses would also benefit from the goods that were located in these territories.