Lewis and Clark, the famous explorers of the American West, split up during their expedition to cover more ground and gather more information. This decision was strategic and aimed at maximizing their exploration efforts.
In July 1806, as they were returning from the Pacific Coast, Lewis and Clark decided to divide their Corps of Discovery into smaller groups. Lewis took one group to explore the Marias River, while Clark led another group to explore the Yellowstone River. This allowed them to map and document more territory than they could have if they had stayed together.
Lewis’s group encountered the Blackfeet Indians, which led to a tense and ultimately violent confrontation. Meanwhile, Clark’s group successfully navigated the Yellowstone River and met with friendly Native American tribes. By splitting up, Lewis and Clark were able to gather diverse information about the geography, flora, fauna, and native peoples of the regions they explored.
Their decision to split up was a calculated risk that paid off, as it significantly contributed to the success of their expedition and the expansion of knowledge about the American West.