Sacagawea played a vital role in American history as a guide and translator for Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s expedition from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Coast. Born around 1788 in present-day Idaho, she was a member of the Lemhi Shoshone tribe. When Sacagawea was around 12, she was captured by a rival tribe, the Hidatsa. She later married French-Canadian trader Toussaint Charbonneau, who had been staying with the Hidatsa.
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson tasked Lewis with exploring the western territories. Charbonneau joined the expedition as an interpreter, and Sacagawea went with him. Her knowledge of the land, plants, and Native languages proved essential. She spoke Shoshone and Hidatsa, helping the expedition communicate with various tribes.
Despite the hardships, Sacagawea cared for her infant son, Jean-Baptiste, throughout the journey. One of her most heroic acts came when a boat capsized, and she rescued valuable supplies. In 1805, she was reunited with her brother, now a Shoshone chief, and helped the expedition party negotiate for horses.
Her bravery and guidance were key to the expedition’s success.
Abi Raymaker For The Junior Times junior/1744681001/1613367853
1. How did Sacagawea come to live with the Hidatsa tribe?
2. Who was Toussaint Charbonneau, and what was his role in the expedition?
3. Why was Sacagawea’s knowledge of Native languages important to the journey?
4. What made Sacagawea’s contributions especially remarkable during the expedition?
1. How might the expedition have changed without Sacagawea’s help?
2. What challenges do you think Sacagawea faced during the journey with her infant son?
3. Why is it important to recognize contributions of Native American women in history?
4. Do you think Sacagawea’s story is well known enough today? Why or why not?
Sacagawea played a vital role in American history as a guide and translator for Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s expedition from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Coast. Born around 1788 in present-day Idaho, she was a member of the Lemhi Shoshone tribe. When Sacagawea was around 12, she was captured by a rival tribe, the Hidatsa. She later married French-Canadian trader Toussaint Charbonneau, who had been staying with the Hidatsa.
