Ep 4. Killing Meriwether Lewis

In Unexplained and Unexplored season 1 episode 4, titled "Killing Meriwether Lewis", the audience is taken on a journey to solve one of the greatest mysteries of American history. The episode delves into the unsolved death of Meriwether Lewis, who co-led the Lewis and Clark Expedition that explored and mapped the western regions of the United States from 1803 to 1806.

The episode begins with an exploration of Lewis's life and his historic expedition. It highlights his many accomplishments and contributions to American history. However, the focus of the episode is on the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.

Lewis died on October 11, 1809, at the age of 35, under mysterious circumstances. He was on his way to Washington D.C. to settle some of his financial problems and to defend his leadership during a scandalous affair during his term as governor of the Territory of Louisiana. He stopped at a tavern in Tennessee, where he was found the next morning with multiple gunshot wounds. The medical examiner who conducted the autopsy concluded that he had died by suicide.

However, many historians and researchers have questioned this ruling, as there were several inconsistencies in the official report. For instance, Lewis was known to be a good marksman, and yet, the shots that were fired were in odd angles and were not consistent with a skilled marksman. In addition, he was carrying a considerable amount of money and valuable belongings, which were not taken by his supposed attacker.

Several theories have emerged to explain the mystery of Lewis's death. Some say he was murdered by bandits who were known to frequent the tavern. Others claim that he was targeted by political rivals, who wanted to destroy his reputation and undermine his legacy. Many believe that it was a suicide, as he had been struggling with depression and alcoholism, and also had many personal and professional problems.

To unravel the mystery of Lewis's death, the Unexplained and Unexplored team sets out on a journey to retrace his steps and to interview experts and witnesses. They examine his journals, visit the site of his death, and talk to descendants of the people who were involved in the case. They also use forensics and ballistics analysis to recreate the crime scene and to test the different theories.

The investigation is a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of early America. It sheds light on the challenges and dangers that explorers faced during their travels, the political and social tensions that existed during that era, and the many unsolved mysteries that still haunt us.

The episode is well-researched and well-presented, with engaging narration and visuals that take the audience on a journey through time and space. It is a must-watch for history buffs and lovers of true crime and mystery. It leaves the audience with several theories but no clear answers, as the mystery of Meriwether Lewis's death continues to baffle historians and researchers to this day.