Sacagawea: Lewis and Clark Expedition Guide — Reading Comprehension

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, began in 1804 to explore the vast territory acquired by the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. Sacagawea, a young Lemhi Shoshone woman, played a crucial role as a guide and interpreter for the expedition. Her presence and skills helped the group navigate unfamiliar lands and interact with Native American nations along the way.

The journey presented many obstacles for both the explorers and the Native Americans they encountered. The Corps of Discovery faced harsh weather, dangerous rivers, and limited resources. For Sacagawea, joining the expedition meant leaving her home and family behind. She was also one of only a few women on the journey, traveling with her infant son. Despite these difficulties, Sacagawea became an essential mediator between the explorers and various tribes.

Sacagawea’s background was complex. She had been captured by the Hidatsa as a child and later married to a French-Canadian trader, Toussaint Charbonneau. When Lewis and Clark hired Charbonneau as an interpreter, they quickly realized Sacagawea’s knowledge of geography and languages was more valuable. Her ability to speak both Shoshone and Hidatsa allowed the expedition to negotiate for horses and supplies, which were vital for crossing the Rocky Mountains.

Communication and trust were ongoing challenges. Many Native American groups viewed the expedition with suspicion, unsure of the Americans’ intentions. Sacagawea’s presence signaled peaceful motives to these groups, as war parties rarely traveled with women and children. In a journal entry from August 1805, Meriwether Lewis wrote, “The Indian woman... has been of great service as a pilot through this country.” This primary source shows how Sacagawea’s guidance and reputation influenced the success of the mission.

However, the expedition’s impact on Native peoples was not entirely positive. While Sacagawea helped establish friendly relations in some cases, the arrival of American explorers also marked the beginning of increased U.S. expansion into Native lands. For the Shoshone and other tribes, this led to profound changes, including loss of territory and traditional ways of life. Sacagawea herself had limited power over these larger historical forces, even as she made important contributions.

From the American perspective, Sacagawea became a symbol of cooperation and survival. But historians debate whether her legacy is fully understood. Some argue she has been mythologized, with her story simplified to fit a heroic narrative. Others emphasize the need to recognize the difficult choices she faced and the complicated realities of her time. By examining multiple perspectives and primary sources, we gain a deeper understanding of Sacagawea’s role and the expedition’s consequences.

The story of Sacagawea and the Lewis and Clark Expedition shows the importance of adaptation and cultural exchange in American history. It also reminds us that individuals can have a lasting impact, even when they are not in positions of formal power.

Interesting Fact: Sacagawea’s image appears on the U.S. one-dollar coin, making her one of the few Native American women honored in this way.

When did the Lewis and Clark Expedition begin?

What tribe was Sacagawea originally from?

Who was Sacagawea’s husband?

Why was Sacagawea important to the expedition?

How did Sacagawea help with Native relations?

What effect did the expedition have on Native Americans?

Sacagawea’s story is simple and one-sided.

What does 'mediator' mean in the passage?