Louisiana Purchase, 1803
The Louisiana Purchase ensured access to the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans, greatly benefiting America’s economy. President Thomas Jefferson bought this territory from Napoleon of France for $0.03/acre and a total of $15 million dollars. This purchase led to the encouragement of westward expansion and doubled the size of the United States. Jefferson appointed Lewis and Clark to explore the new territory. They were helped by a Native American translator and guide named Sacajawea.
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