The expedition traveled over 8000 total miles over a period of 2 years, 4 months and 10 days.
Good Guess
When the expedition reached the Pacific, Clark estimates they have traveled 4,162 miles from the mouth of the Missouri to the Pacific. His guess was within 40 miles of the actual distance.
What a Deal
Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory, 820,000 square miles, for $15 million. After interest the final total came to be $27,267,622. That still works out to be only about 3¢ an acre!
An Equal Opportunity Expedition
When the expedition reached the Pacific the party voted on where to spend the winter. York, Clark's slave, is allowed to vote, nearly 60 years before slaves in the U.S. would be emancipated. Sacagawea is also allowed to vote, more than a century before either women or Native Americans are granted full rights of citizenship.
Oops
While hunting in present day North Dakota, Lewis was accidentally shot (in the behind) by Pierre Cruzatte, a nearsighted member of the crew.
Good Boy
Before the expedition began Lewis purchased a Newfoundland dog, Seaman, for $20. Although not mentioned very often in their journals, it is believed that Seaman made the entire journey.
What's for Dinner?
When game was plentiful, each man ate about 9 pounds of meat per day.