Louisiana Purchase Treaty: Resources

Websites

Hello, Monticello

Learn everything there is to know about Thomas Jefferson, his family, his friends, and his sweet pad in Charlottesville, Virginia. Which he designed himself, of course.

All Napoleon, All the Time

Can't get enough of the Little Corporal? We got you. Detailed histories, fun timelines, and beaucoup pics make up this super informative (and really interesting) website dedicated to the life and times of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Movie or TV Productions

The Louisiana Purchase

Those crazy kids over at the History Channel are at it again. In 2003, they released this thorough and informative documentary about the Louisiana Purchase and President Jefferson, and this is one made-for-TV movie that was definitely made to watch with popcorn.

Thomas Jefferson According to Ken Burns

POTUS No. 3, Ken Burns, and Gwyneth Paltrow all wrapped up in one miniseries? Sign us up. The Louisiana Purchase isn't the focus of this film, but it receives an honorable mention as one of T.J.'s many accomplishments.

Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West

Wanna see what the Louisiana Territory was like when it first became part of the United States? Then let your cinematic journey begin here. Remember, guys, the Louisiana Territory was a lot bigger than just Louisiana.

Articles and Interviews

"Ice and Mosquitoes," Ned Hémard

What do bugs and winter storms have to do with the Louisiana Purchase? More than you might think, friends. Learn all about it in this article.

"The True Cost of the Louisiana Purchase," Robert Lee

Well-written, highly interesting, and maybe just a little bit biased, this article attempts to calculate the real cost of the Louisiana Purchase to the Native Americans who called the Louisiana Territory home. Added bonus: about halfway down the page, there's a fun interactive guide thingie.

"The Louisiana Purchase: Jefferson's Constitutional Gamble," National Constitution Center

With all the excitement about getting so much land for such a low price, it's easy to overlook the fact that no one really knew if President Jefferson could even legally acquire the Louisiana Territory. This article explores why and gives us some insight into the constitutional questions of the day.

Video

HGTV Meets 1803

Who loves clever educational videos more than Shmoop does? Possibly the crew who made this House Hunters Historical episode about the Louisiana Purchase. We love everything about this, including the fact that the realtor's name is Sue Casa.

Shmooptastic

Looking for a quick, clever, uber Shmoopy video about the Louisiana Purchase? Look no further. Napoleon's angry eyebrows in this mini-movie make it worth at least one watch.

Audio

Get Happy When Skies Are Gray

Did you know that the state song of Louisiana is "You Are My Sunshine"? Now you do. Get it stuck in your head today!

Images

Objects Are Larger Than They Appear

It's big, it's bold, and it's about to change the world. Get a load of how ginormous the Louisiana Territory actually was.

The Purchase Goes Postal

In 1953, the big three of the Louisiana Purchase—James Monroe, Robert R. Livingston, and François de Barbé-Marbois—were commemorated on this stunningly pink postage stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service.

The Dapper Dealmaker

White pants after Labor Day? NP, says Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of France and seller of the Louisiana Territory.