Sacagawea

Sacagawea was a Lemhi Shoshone woman who helped explore the American West. She was born around 1788 in what is now Idaho. She joined the Lewis and Clark expedition as a guide and interpreter. She is one of the most famous Native American women in history.

Early Life

Sacagawea was captured by another tribe when she was about 12 years old. She was taken far from her home. She was later married to a French-Canadian fur trader. When Lewis and Clark needed a guide, they hired her husband, and she came along with her baby.

Big Achievements

Sacagawea helped Lewis and Clark communicate with Native American tribes. She showed them which plants were safe to eat. Having a woman and baby in the group showed other tribes they came in peace. She traveled thousands of miles with her infant son on her back.

Fun Facts

• Sacagawea carried her baby son, Jean Baptiste, throughout the entire expedition.
• She is on the U.S. one-dollar gold coin.
• More statues have been built of Sacagawea than of any other American woman.

Did You Know?

When the expedition reached the Shoshone people, Sacagawea discovered that the chief was her own brother. She had not seen him since she was kidnapped as a child. The reunion helped Lewis and Clark get the horses they needed to cross the mountains.