Dunbar-Hunter Expedition

How does the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition compare with expedition of the Corps of Discovery? Which was more significant?

Subject(s): Arkansas History and US History

Time Period(s): (1801-1861) Expansion and Reform

Grade level(s): 6-8

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Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Congress authorized exploration of the territory. The Corps of Discovery, the most famous of the expeditions to traverse the western lands, was headed by Lewis and Clark, and many primary sources from this expedition are available at the Library of Congress. A lesser-known expedition led by William Dunbar was tasked with exploring the Arkansas River. It expanded geographic knowledge of the region between the Mississippi River and Spanish settlements in Texas and New Mexico. This primary source set can be used after studying the Corps of Discovery.

Supporting question(s):

What physical and cultural geography did Hunter and Dunbar observe on their expedition?

What were the purposes and results of policies related to the growth of the United States?

How and why did the United States expand between 1800-1818?

Source Set

• Thomas Jefferson to William Dunbar, April 15, 1804
• Observations Extracted from the Journals of William Dunbar, esq. and Doctor Hunter
• Observations extracted from Journals of Dunbar and Hunter
• A Chart of the Internal Part of Louisiana
• William Dunbar, 1749-1810, half length portrait, standing

Additional resource(s):

“Hunter-Dunbar Expedition,” Encyclopedia of Arkansas

Arkansas Frameworks(s):

4.1.8.1  Analyze multiple factors that affected territorial expansion

4.1.8.4  Analyze purposes, implementation and effects of public policies

4.1.8.6 Evaluate historical significance of individuals, groups and events