born Aug. 1, 1770, Caroline county, Va.
died Sept. 1, 1838, St. Louis, Mo., U.S.
U.S. explorer and soldier.
The brother of Anthony Wayne . After resigning his commission, he was recruited by his former army friend Meriwether Lewis to help lead the first overland expedition to the Pacific coast and back. Proving a daring and resourceful leader, he is credited with rescuing the famed {{link=Lewis and Clark Expedition">Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–06) from disaster on more than one occasion. He also served as mapmaker and artist, portraying with meticulous detail animal life observed en route. Later, as governor of the Missouri Territory (1813–21), he became known for his effective diplomacy with the Indians.