Sacagawea (c. 1788 – December 20, 1812) was a Lemhi Shoshone woman who, at the age of 16, was taken captive by Hidatsa raiders. She was later purchased by French-Canadian fur trapper Toussaint Charbonneau. In 1804, Charbonneau and Sacagawea were hired by the Lewis and Clark Expedition to serve as interpreters and guides. Sacagawea played a vital role in the expedition's success, providing valuable information about the geography and native peoples of the region. She also helped to gather food and medicines for the expedition.
Sacagawea was born into the Agaidika band of the Lemhi Shoshone in what is now present-day Idaho. In 1800, she was kidnapped by Hidatsa raiders and taken to their village in present-day North Dakota. There, she was sold to French-Canadian fur trapper Toussaint Charbonneau.
In 1804, Charbonneau and Sacagawea were hired by the Lewis and Clark Expedition to serve as interpreters and guides. Sacagawea was pregnant at the time, but she gave birth to her son, Jean Baptiste, shortly before the expedition began.
Sacagawea played a vital role in the expedition's success. She was able to communicate with the native peoples of the region and help the expedition to gather food and medicines. She also helped to identify landmarks and navigate the expedition through difficult terrain.
Sacagawea's most famous contribution to the expedition came in August 1805, when she helped the expedition to find the Shoshone tribe. Sacagawea was able to recognize her brother, Cameahwait, among the Shoshone, and she helped to negotiate a trade for horses. The horses were essential for the expedition's success, as they allowed the expedition to travel more quickly and easily across the Rocky Mountains.
Sacagawea died in 1812 at the age of 24. She is buried in Fort Manuel, South Dakota.
Sacagawea is a national hero in the United States. She is remembered for her courage, her intelligence, and her contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.