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 Notes on botanical specimens  Enlargement
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When Lieutenant Commander Charles Wilkes and the United States Exploring Expedition (USEE) returned to the country in 1842, after four years of mapping and studying the natural world, many Americans spoke out for a national museum.
Lieutenant Wilkes published his 5-volume narrative of the voyage in 1844. An additional twelve scientific volumes were produced, the last appearing in 1874.
 Wilkes, Narrative of the Expedition Enlargement
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 Map, Wilkes, Narrative, Vol. 1 Enlargement
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 USEE Mollusks Enlargement
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The Smithsonian acquired and displayed specimens and artifacts from the expedition in 1858. In so doing, it established itself as a showcase for the country's first major international scientific venture and as a guardian of national treasures.
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