She is one of the most well-known—and unknown—figures in United States history. A river, two lakes, and four mountain peaks are named for her, but no one is certain how to pronounce or spell her name.
Every child in the United States learns about Sacagawea (sa-CA-ga-we-a). But what does anyone actually know about her? We know for certain that in 1805 and 1806 she traveled with the Lewis and Clark expedition as it explored what would later become North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Around the age of 15, this young woman of the Shoshone people, along with her two-month-old infant, joined a group of mostly white men whom she had never met before. What little is known of Sacagawea’s life before and during that time is found in the journals of Lewis and Clark. By all accounts, Sacagawea earned their respect and gratitude within a short time of setting out with them. How did this teenage mother fit in with a group of rough-and-ready soldiers? How did she earn their admiration? Read on as Kids Discover explores the life and legends of the Bird Woman.
