When did the Louisiana Territory exist as a U.S. territory?
The Louisiana Territory existed from the 4th of July, 1805, until the 4th of June, 1812. It was then renamed the Missouri Territory by the Twelfth U.S. Congress.
Questions about Louisiana Territory
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How large was the Louisiana Territory?
The Louisiana Territory covered approximately 828,000 square miles, or roughly 1,332,536 square kilometers. It comprised the portion of the Louisiana Purchase north of the 33rd parallel, which is now the Arkansas-Louisiana state line.
Who was the first governor of the Louisiana Territory?
General James Wilkinson was appointed the first governor of the Louisiana Territory by President Thomas Jefferson on the 11th of March, 1805. Wilkinson simultaneously held the post of Senior Officer of the United States Army.
Why was the Louisiana Territory renamed the Missouri Territory?
Congress renamed it to avoid confusion with the newly admitted State of Louisiana, which was carved from the Territory of Orleans to the south. The renaming took effect on the 4th of June, 1812.
What was the population of the Louisiana Territory in 1810?
The 1810 United States census recorded a total population of 20,845 people across six counties in the Louisiana Territory. St. Louis County was the most populous with 5,667 residents, while Arkansas County was the smallest with 1,062.
Did Meriwether Lewis and William Clark serve as governors of the Louisiana Territory?
Yes. Meriwether Lewis served as the second governor from 1807 to 1809, and William Clark served as the fourth and final territorial governor from 1813 to 1820, a tenure that extended into the territory's years as Missouri Territory.