Thomas Jefferson (Expedition Patron)

Rembrandt Peale, son of Charles Willson Peale, painted this portrait of President Thomas Jefferson, the visionary behind the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Jefferson conceived the idea of exploring the American West and personally selected Meriwether Lewis to lead the Corps of Discovery. He drafted the detailed instructions for the expedition, emphasizing scientific observation, diplomatic relations with Native peoples, and the search for a water route to the Pacific.