Sacagawea appeared in the captains’ journals four times before her name was given. She was with the expedition for just over 16 of the 28 months of the official journey. Speaking both Shoshone and Hidatsa, she served as a link in the communication chain during some crucial negotiations, but was not on the expedition’s payroll. She traveled nearly half the trail carrying her infant on her back. And, despite artistic portrayals of her pointing the way, she ‘guided’ only a few times. Still, Sacagawea remains the third most famous member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Sacagawea’s Story
Interpreter with "fortitude and resolution"
by Barbara Fifer
She was with the expedition for just over 16 of the 28 months of the official journey. Speaking both Shoshone and Hidatsa, she served as a link in the communication chain during some crucial negotiations. She remains the third most famous person of the expedition.
Sacagawea In the Journals
by Kristopher K. Townsend
Sacagawea, also known as Sacajawea or Sakakawea, was a vital member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, serving as an interpreter, diplomat, guide, and food gatherer. Her—and her child’s—presence symbolized peace among many of the Natives they encountered. The expedition journals document her life, tribal background, and key contributions.
Sacagawea’s Tribal Origin
Lemhi Shoshone or Hidatsa-Crow?
by Jay H. Buckley, Maren C. Burgess
A major discrepancy among the accounts of Sacagawea’s life is whether her tribal origin is Lemhi Shoshone or Hidatsa-Crow. Both accounts are explained.
Sacagawea’s Death
Three accounts
by Jay H. Buckley, Maren C. Burgess
There are three accounts of how Sacagawea died as told by John Luttig and William Clark; Eastern Shoshones and Comanches; and the Hidatsas. All three accounts are explained.
The Faces of Sacagawea
Interpretations of an unknown image
by Joseph A. Mussulman
Because the Shoshone woman has been the subject of so many sculptures and paintings, especially since about 1900, we have a rich heritage of artists’ conceptions to contemplate.
Experience the Lewis and Clark Trail
The Lewis and Clark Trail Experience—our sister site at lewisandclark.travel—connects the world to people and places on the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Discover More
- The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Day by Day by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2018). The story in prose, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals: An American Epic of Discovery (abridged) by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 2003). Selected journal excerpts, 14 May 1804–23 September 1806.
- The Lewis and Clark Journals. by Gary E. Moulton (University of Nebraska Press, 1983–2001). The complete story in 13 volumes.
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Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance
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