Watch Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery

In 1997, the Amazon Addon premiered Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery, a documentary miniseries that explored the famous journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and their team of explorers, known as the Corps of Discovery. The show was narrated by actor Hal Holbrook and featured interviews with historians and Native American experts, as well as dramatic reenactments of key events on the expedition.

Over the course of six episodes, Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery traced the journey of the Corps of Discovery from its origins in St. Louis in 1803 to its arrival at the Pacific Ocean in 1805. The documentary explored the challenges faced by the explorers on their journey, including hostile Native American tribes, treacherous terrain, and harsh weather conditions.

The series also delved into the political context of the Lewis and Clark expedition, examining the motivations of President Thomas Jefferson in sending the explorers west. Viewers learned about the scientific goals of the expedition, such as mapping the region and studying the geology, flora, and fauna of the area. The documentary also explored the economic potential of the West, including the potential for trade with Native American tribes and the development of new routes for commerce.

In addition to exploring the political and scientific context of the expedition, Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery focused on the individual members of the Corps of Discovery, highlighting their personalities and motivations. Viewers learned about key members of the Corps, such as Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who acted as a guide and translator for the explorers, and York, the enslaved man who accompanied William Clark on the journey.

Throughout the series, the documentary highlighted the ways in which the Lewis and Clark expedition shaped American history and had a lasting impact on the West. Viewers learned about the impact of the expedition on the relationships between the United States and Native American tribes, as well as the ways in which the expedition influenced the development of the West in the decades to come.

The documentary was praised for its accurate and engaging portrayal of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The use of historical reenactments, expert interviews, and archival materials helped to bring the story of the Corps of Discovery to life for viewers, and helped to convey the excitement and danger of the journey west.

Overall, Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery was a compelling and informative documentary that offered viewers a chance to learn about one of the most important expeditions in American history. The series combined expert analysis, historical reenactments, and personal stories to offer a comprehensive and engaging look at the Lewis and Clark expedition and its impact on the West.

Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (2 episodes). The series first aired on November 4, 1997.