Sacagawea

Sacagawea means “Bird Woman.” She was a Native American guide who led the Lewis and Clark expedition across the United States. The trip started in St. Louis, Missouri, and ended at the Pacific Ocean.

Sacagawea was the daughter of a Shoshone Indian chief. She was born in the year 1790. When she was ten years old, her village was raided. All of the homes were set on fire. She was taken prisoner by the Hidatsa Indians.

Sacagawea was traded from one tribe to another. The princess became a slave. One day, natives were gambling with a French Canadian trapper. His name was Toussaint Charbonneau. He won the game, and Sacagawea was his prize. She became one of his many wives. She was just sixteen.

Sacagawea could speak many languages. She understood many Native American dialects. This made her very valuable. When Lewis and Clark asked Charbonneau to be their interpreter on a trip, they also asked for Sacagawea to come along. They felt she would be valuable as an interpreter, but also as a guide. Lewis and Clark also felt she would be a good sign of peace to Native Americans they met along the way.

Sacagawea had other valuable skills. She was strong and hard working. She helped Lewis and Clark pick plants for food. She taught them the ways of the Native Americans to help them survive in the wilderness. Sacagawea had a son who was born while they traveled. She continued to lead the trip.

Sacagawea helped many of the men through hard times. More than once she saved explorers from drowning in the rivers. She made them laugh and treated them kindly. Without her, the Lewis and Clark expedition would not have had success.