The Journals of Lewis and Clark document an expedition across the United States as commissioned by President Jefferson. Shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Lewis and Clark set out on a journey to explore and map the newly acquired territory, to find a practical route across the western half of the continent, and to establish an American presence in this territory before Britain and other European powers tried to claim it. The campaign's secondary objectives were to study the area's plants, animal life, and geography, and to establish trade with local Indigenous communities. The Journals recount the observations made by Lewis and Clarke. Lewis and Clark were the first European Americans to cross the Continental Divide, where they saw Yellowstone, entered into Montana, and produced an official description of these different regions. The expedition established diplomatic relations and trade with at least two dozen indigenous nations. They mapped the topography of the land, designating the location of mountain ranges, rivers, and the many Indigenous communities during the course of their journey. They also learned and recorded much about the language and customs of the Indigenous communities they encountered, and brought back many of their artifacts, including bows, clothing and ceremonial robes. This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.