Sacagawea Helps Lewis and Clark — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2
SL.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the life and contributions of Sacagawea, the Lemhi Shoshone woman who played a vital role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition after the Louisiana Purchase. Students will learn about her early life, her journey across the American West, and how her bravery and knowledge helped shape American history. The passage highlights key events in a chronological sequence, introduces important vocabulary, and encourages students to think about cause and effect. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and a graphic organizer, all aligned to C3 and Common Core standards. The passage is provided in both English and Spanish, with an audio read aloud option, making it accessible for all learners. This resource is ideal for building foundational literacy skills while deepening historical understanding of early America.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Sacagawea Detail Lewis & Clark at Three Forks (cropped)" by Edgar Samuel Paxson / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Sacagawea was a Native American woman who helped lead the Lewis and Clark Expedition across the American West. In 1804, the United States had just bought a large area of land called the Louisiana Purchase. President Thomas Jefferson wanted to know what was in this new land. He asked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore it.

Sacagawea was born to the Lemhi Shoshone tribe. When she was young, she was taken from her family by another group. She later married a French trader, Toussaint Charbonneau. In 1804, Lewis and Clark met Sacagawea and her husband. They needed a guide and someone who could translate between languages. Sacagawea joined the group with her baby boy, Jean Baptiste.

The journey was hard. The group traveled by boat and on foot. They faced cold, hunger, and wild animals. Sacagawea helped them find edible plants, showed safe paths, and spoke to Native American tribes. Her presence helped the group gain trust from other tribes. She was calm and brave, even when the boat almost tipped over. She saved important papers and supplies. Clark once wrote, "the Indian woman...has been of great service to me."

Sacagawea’s knowledge of the land was very important. When the group reached the Rocky Mountains, she helped them find horses and safe trails. She recognized her own brother, who was now a chief, and this helped the group get help from the Shoshone.

After many months, Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean. They could not have done it without Sacagawea. Her skills and courage helped the group succeed. She showed that one person can make a big difference in history.

Interesting Fact: Sacagawea was only about 16 years old when she joined the journey. Today, many places and statues honor her bravery.

Who was Sacagawea?

A Native American guideA U.S. presidentA French explorerA ship captain

What was the Louisiana Purchase?

A new lawA land bought from FranceA famous riverA mountain pass

Who led the expedition Sacagawea joined?

Lewis and ClarkJefferson and AdamsCharbonneau and ClarkLewis and Jefferson

How did Sacagawea help the expedition?

Found plants and safe pathsBecame the presidentBuilt boatsWrote a book

Why was Sacagawea important to the group?

She led them safelyShe cooked for them onlyShe drew mapsShe was a doctor

How did Sacagawea help with other tribes?