Sacagawea (c. 1788–1812) was a Shoshone woman who played a crucial role as an interpreter and guide during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the first American overland expedition to the Pacific coast and back. Her presence was instrumental in the success of the expedition, and she remains an important historical figure in the exploration of the American West.

Here are key points about Sacagawea:

1. Early Life: Sacagawea was born into the Lemhi Shoshone tribe in what is now Idaho, around 1788. In her youth, she was captured by a Hidatsa war party and taken to their village in present-day North Dakota.
2. Marriage to Toussaint Charbonneau: Sacagawea was later purchased as a slave by a French-Canadian fur trader named Toussaint Charbonneau, who also lived among the Hidatsa. She became one of his wives.
3. Lewis and Clark Expedition: In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. Toussaint Charbonneau was hired as an interpreter, and Sacagawea joined the expedition along with her newborn son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.
4. Interpreter and Guide: Sacagawea’s presence was valuable to the expedition. Her knowledge of Shoshone and Hidatsa languages and her familiarity with the terrain and native cultures made her an essential interpreter and guide. She helped negotiate for horses with the Shoshone, facilitating the success of the expedition.
5. Crossing the Rocky Mountains: Sacagawea accompanied the expedition as they crossed the Rocky Mountains and navigated challenging terrain. Her presence was a symbol of peace to many Native American tribes they encountered.
6. Interaction with Native Peoples: Sacagawea’s role as a Native American woman and mother contributed to the expedition’s success in establishing friendly relations with various indigenous groups. Her presence often allayed suspicions and fears among Native American tribes.
7. Return to the Mandan-Hidatsa Village: After reaching the Pacific Ocean in 1805, the expedition returned east. Sacagawea and her family were left at the Mandan-Hidatsa village in 1806, and Clark promised to provide an education for her son, Jean Baptiste.
8. Fate and Legacy: The exact circumstances of Sacagawea’s later life and death are uncertain. Some accounts suggest she died in 1812, while others propose later dates. Jean Baptiste, her son, went on to become an interpreter, explorer, and trader. Sacagawea’s legacy is celebrated for her contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and her role as a symbol of peace and cooperation during westward expansion.
9. Honors and Commemoration: Sacagawea has been honored on a U.S. commemorative coin, the Sacagawea dollar, first minted in 2000. Numerous statues, monuments, and places have been named in her honor, recognizing her important historical role.

Sacagawea’s journey with Lewis and Clark exemplifies the critical role played by Native Americans in the exploration and expansion of the United States during the 19th century. Her story reflects resilience, adaptability, and cultural diplomacy in the face of challenging circumstances.