Few historical figures are more widely commemorated—or more complex—than Sacagawea, the only Native American woman who served as interpreter and guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1805–1806). She has been honored in statues, parks, coins, and classroom lessons across the U.S., though even her name varies depending on who tells the story: Sacagawea, Sakakawea, Sacajawea.

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A Complex Life

As a young girl, Sacagawea was captured by the Hidatsa and taken from her Shoshone people. Later, she was sold to French-Canadian fur trader Toussaint Charbonneau. When Lewis and Clark wintered near the Hidatsa-Mandan villages in 1804, they hired Charbonneau as an interpreter—and agreed that one of his wives, a Shoshone woman, would join them to help translate. That woman was Sacagawea.

Her value to the expedition was quickly evident. On May 14, 1805, when their boat nearly capsized in a storm, she remained calm and rescued precious supplies. Captain Clark praised her fortitude, calling her “equal...with any person onboard.”

Sacagawea gave birth to her son, Jean Baptiste, just 54 days before setting out. She carried him on her back in a cradleboard throughout the journey.

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Names and Meanings

The name “Sacagawea” is often credited to the Hidatsa language, meaning “Bird Woman,” and was the spelling most commonly used in official documents. Others, like “Sacajawea” (Shoshone for “Boat Launcher”), are favored in states like Wyoming. “Sakakawea” is another variation, used in North Dakota. Even the expedition’s journals show differing spellings, reflecting the linguistic mix of the time.

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Key Moments on the Journey

• July 28, 1805: The expedition camped at the site where Sacagawea had been kidnapped years earlier. Clark noted she showed “no emotion of sorrow...or joy.”

• August 17, 1805: In a remarkable twist, she recognized and reunited with her brother, Chief Cameahwait of the Shoshone. This emotional moment helped the expedition secure vital horses for the journey west.

• October 19, 1805: Her presence reassured tribes of the expedition’s peaceful intentions. “No woman ever accompanies a war party,” the captains noted.

• November 24, 1805: Sacagawea voted—along with the rest of the expedition—on where to build their winter camp near the Pacific. Her choice favored a place with plentiful food.

On the return trip, Sacagawea again proved invaluable, guiding the group through what is now Bozeman Pass, Montana, a route she remembered from childhood. She completed the journey on August 17, 1806, returning to the Hidatsa-Mandan village.

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Legacy

Sacagawea's legacy endures through numerous commemorations, including statues, place names, and her depiction on the U.S. dollar coin introduced in 2000. In 2001, President Bill Clinton posthumously named Sacagawea an Honorary Sergeant in the U.S. Army, recognizing her invaluable contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Her story symbolizes the vital contributions of Native American women in American history and continues to inspire discussions about representation and recognition. ​

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Discover Scenic Road Trips

Sakakawea Trail: A scenic loop that traces the shores of stunning Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota. This picturesque route follows Highways 1804 and 1806, named for the years of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and offers wide-open views, cultural landmarks, and moments of deep reflection on the legacy of Sakakawea.
 

Sacajawea Historic Byway:  Discover rich Native American history and learn more about Sacajawea’s story and her impact on the Corps of Discovery and Idaho. 

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Travel to the Birthplace of Sacagawea
Tucked in the heart of Idaho’s Lemhi Valley, the town of Salmon proudly celebrates its connection to Sacagawea. Surrounded by winding rivers, clear streams, and the towering Beaverhead Mountains near the Continental Divide, this scenic region is the traditional homeland of the Agai’dika Shoshone-Bannock people.

A highlight for visitors is the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center—a must-stop destination that shares the story of Sacagawea’s life and legacy. Through exhibits, programs, and the surrounding landscape, travelers can connect with the history of the young Lemhi Shoshone woman who played a vital role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

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