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Sacagawea Helps Lewis and Clark — Reading Comprehension

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

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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 young Shoshone woman who played a key role in American history. In 1804, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led an expedition to explore the lands west of the Mississippi River. These lands were mostly unknown to Americans at the time. Their journey became known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Lewis and Clark needed help to travel safely through these new lands. They did not know the land or the languages spoken by Native American tribes. In 1805, they met Sacagawea. She was only about sixteen years old and had a baby son named Jean Baptiste with her. Even though she was young, Sacagawea joined the expedition as an interpreter and guide.

Sacagawea spoke both Shoshone and Hidatsa. She helped Lewis and Clark talk with Native Americans they met. Her skills helped the group trade for horses, which were needed to cross the Rocky Mountains. She also found wild foods, like roots and berries, that kept the group healthy. Her knowledge of plants and animals was very important on the journey.

As the expedition moved west, Sacagawea faced many challenges. She traveled by foot, boat, and horseback, all while carrying her baby. She stayed calm and helpful even when things got hard. Her presence showed Native American tribes that the group came in peace, because she was a woman with a child. This built trust and made it safer for everyone.

In November 1805, the group reached the Pacific Ocean. The journey was more than 4,000 miles long. Sacagawea had helped them every step of the way. The success of the expedition was possible because of her bravery, knowledge, and teamwork.

Interesting Fact: Sacagawea is one of the few women honored with a statue in the U.S. Capitol for her important role in history.

Who was Sacagawea?

A young Shoshone womanA Spanish explorerA famous artistA U.S. president

What did Sacagawea carry during the trip?

Her babyA canoeA mapA flag

Where did the expedition end?

Pacific OceanAtlantic OceanGreat PlainsNew York

Why was Sacagawea important to the expedition?

She guided and translatedShe wrote a bookShe built their boatsShe was a soldier

How did Sacagawea help with food?

Found wild plants and berriesBought food from storesCooked every mealBrought canned food

What effect did Sacagawea have on Native tribes?