Meriwether Lewis: Off the Edge of the Map

Heroes of History #3

by Janet Benge, Geoff Benge

Meriwether Lewis had been commissioned by President Jefferson to lead a daring expedition so remarkable it would become one of the most famous explorations in history. He chose as his co-captain William Clark. Their to find a land route to the Pacific Ocean while learning as much as possible about the thousands of miles of unexplored territory they struggled through.

Even as a child, Meriwether Lewis was known for courage and clear thinking in a crisis. Now he was determined to succeed in the vast task laid before him by a nation thirsty to know what lay off the edge of the map (1774-1809).

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Janet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. I kept stopping to read my father bits and pieces, and he kept asking me what happened next. An interesting adventure!
I learned things.
Definitely worth the read.

[Aaron W. Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice primer on Meriwether Lewis and the Corps of Discovery. It made me thirsty for more. For a quick read that introduces some of Lewis’ background and exploits, this book would be tough to beat (in my opinion). It’s not the magnum opus on the man or subject, though.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much more to the Lewis and Clark expedition than we are originally taught in school. This book is thorough and seeks to be an accurate account of Lewis's life without over-sensationalizing it.

[JD' · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meriwether, the private secretary of Thomas Jefferson, made a decision that he would not ask the president to lead the expedition. Instead he worked hard, helping in whatever way he could, making himselfso invaluable that president Jefferson asked Lewis to travel to the edge of the map, to find wooly mammoths and other prehistoric animals in the middle of the continent, find mountains made of pure salt and erupting volcanoes 🌋.
The irony, is that Lewis would be safer in unknown Indian country than he would be in known America.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Enjoyed all the history. Surprised on how Meriweather died, didn't know that part of his life. Also good to hear the name Patrick Bass mentioned several times, a family relation.

[Allie Slocum · Rating 4 out of 5]

His life was fascinating! Enjoying taking the journey with him...

[Kathryn Egly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was genuinely hard to choose just one Janet Benge biography as my favorite this year because her books are SO fantastic, but I decided that Meriweather Lewis deserves to be on this list. For lovers of history and real-life adventure, this book dives deep into the life of the leader of the iconic Lewis and Clark Expedition. Janet Benge brings to life both the brilliance and struggles of a man tasked with exploring the West. This is an inspiring story of courage, curiosity, ingenuity, and leadership in the face of the unknown.

Not only was Lewis a fascinating person, but so was Sacagawea. She is tasked with traveling with the expedition while pregnant. She gives birth to her baby during the expedition, then continues the journey!! What a remarkable testament to strength and resilience.

Read if you enjoy history, exploration, true adventures, strong leadership narratives, or biographies that make history come alive.

Read my top 5 of 2025 here: https://kathrynegly.com/2026/01/01/be...

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Audio