Sacagawea Facts & Worksheets

Legacy

• The lack of reliable historical records makes it difficult to definitively determine the course of Sacagawea's later life and the circumstances of her death. Despite these uncertainties, her legacy continues to inspire and educate. She is remembered as a symbol of peace, a skilled guide and interpreter, and a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous American women.

A Symbol of Peaceful Diplomacy

• Sacagawea's presence in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, particularly with her infant son, Jean Baptiste, served as a powerful symbol of peace to the Indigenous American people they encountered. In a time of escalating tensions between Indigenous communities and advancing European settlers, the image of a young mother accompanying a group of explorers conveyed a message of non-aggression and a desire for peaceful interaction. Many groups, upon seeing Sacagawea and her child, chose to assist the expedition rather than view them with suspicion.

A Guide and Interpreter

• Sacagawea's knowledge of the Shoshone and Hidatsa languages was important to the expedition. She facilitated communication, enabling Lewis and Clark to negotiate for safe passage, establish trade relations, and gather crucial information about the land and its people. Beyond her linguistic skills, Sacagawea possessed knowledge of the terrain. Her familiarity with landmarks, waterways and edible plants proved significant in guiding the expedition through unfamiliar landscapes.

An Iconic Figure in American History

• Apart from several memorials all throughout the country, Sacagawea was honoured by the US Mint with a dollar coin issued between 2000 and 2008. Designed by artist Glenna Goodacre, the coins departed from traditional coin-making practices by depicting Sacagawea gazing directly at the observer. Goodacre modelled the image of Sacagawea on a modern-day Shoshone student.
• Furthermore, the early 20th century saw the widespread dissemination of a romanticised portrayal of Sacagawea as a 'genuine Indian princess', thanks to Eva Emery Dye's 1902 novel, The Conquest: The True Story of Lewis and Clark, which somewhat embellished the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition's struggles.
• As a suffragist, Dye was not content with the information available at the time about Sacagawea. She sought to elevate her to the status of a remarkable female hero, and she was willing to alter the historical account to do so. Some academics now argue that Sacagawea's actual accomplishments are compelling enough and that the romanticised interpretations of her 'legend', both before and after Dye's book, do a disservice to the real woman.
• Since Dye's novel, Sacagawea has gained popularity as a character in young adult and historical fiction. In her 1984 book Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo examined the narrative of her return to Wyoming 50 years after her departure. The historical evidence for Sacagawea's death in 1812 was widely known to the author, but she decided to focus on the oral tradition instead.
• The early 20th-century National American Woman Suffrage Association embraced Sacagawea as a symbol of women's value and autonomy, commemorating her with numerous statues and plaques and extensively recounting her achievements.

A Reminder of Indigenous American Contributions

• Sacagawea's story serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous Americans to the exploration and development of the United States. Her story challenges the dominant historical narrative that often minimises or erases Indigenous contributions. Her knowledge of the land, languages and customs of her people proved essential to the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Without her guidance, the expedition would have faced overwhelming challenges.