Meriwether Lewis, as part of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, set out with four companions to scout ahead of the main group. Their journey took them through the rugged terrain of the American West, where they encountered extraordinary landscapes, including the Great Falls of the Missouri River located in present-day Montana. The Falls consist of a series of five separate falls cascading dramatically over rock formations, creating a powerful spectacle of nature. The scouting party's task was crucial, as they needed to assess whether the main party could navigate around these falls, which posed an obstacle to their overall journey west.

The falls marked a point of transition for the expedition. Previously, the team had been traversing relatively flatter land, but the daunting geography ahead meant they faced new challenges. Lewis's detailed observations and notes about the falls included the surrounding landscape, local flora and fauna, and indications of potential Native American populations in the vicinity. This scouting mission played a critical role in determining the future trajectory of the expedition. The findings would also contribute to the knowledge of the indigenous people inhabiting the region and the environment they lived within.

As the expedition continued, the information gathered at the Great Falls would influence navigation strategies and resource management during the challenging journey ahead. It became apparent that the great waterway that is the Missouri River, while being a vital route for travel and trade, also presented formidable natural barriers that would require careful planning and consideration. This discovery underscored the expedition's dual goals of scientific exploration and claims of land for the United States, exemplifying the spirit of exploration during this pivotal time in American history.