Lewis and Clark explored the Missouri River in search of the Northwest Passage after President Thomas Jefferson directed Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the Missouri and its principal streams for the most direct and practicable water communication across the continent. Lewis and Clark, along with 32 other members of the expedition, camped on the banks of the Jefferson near here in July, 1805. By then they had realized that the Missouri would not lead directly to the Pacific, but they still considered this an essential point in the geography of North America. The expedition rested here, explored the surrounding area, and noted the wide variety and abundance of game and plants. The following year, Clark and some members of the expedition returned here on their way east.