Sacagawea
Hau! My name is Sacagawea. I was the Shoshone Indian woman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their journey to the Pacific Ocean. I helped them find food, water, shelter, and other needs out in the wilderness.
I joined the expedition in 1804 with my husband and child. My husband's name was Toussaint Charbonneau. He was a French-Canadian trader. Jean Baptiste was the name of my young son.
Before I married Toussaint, I was in slavery to the Hidatsa Indian tribe. They had captured me, as they were an enemy of our tribe.
Lewis and Clark hired Toussaint and me as guides and interpreters on their journey to explore the Louisiana Purchase. They needed someone to guide them on their journey as they made their way along the unfamiliar land. They also needed interpreters to speak for them when they met other people along the way.
A monument in my honor was erected in Bismarck, North Dakota. This year, the U.S. government issued a gold dollar coin with my picture on it. (The gold coin was displayed at this time.)
I hope that you remember me, Sacagawea, as the Shoshone Indian woman who helped guide Lewis and Clark on their expedition.