1803 and was a significant event in American history. The territory, which comprised more than 800,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River, was purchased by the United States from France for $15 million. This acquisition more than doubled the size of the young nation and provided a gateway for westward expansion. The Louisiana Purchase was made possible by the efforts of President Thomas Jefferson, who saw the importance of securing control of the Mississippi River and its key port of New Orleans. The purchase sparked controversy at the time, with some politicians arguing that it overstepped the bounds of the Constitution, but it was ultimately ratified by the Senate in October 1803. The Louisiana Purchase paved the way for westward expansion, manifest destiny, and new opportunities for settlement, exploration, and commerce. Its impact on American history continues to be felt today.
The purchase of the Louisiana Territory occurred in 1803.
