-
Title
-
Sacajawea (1788-1812)
-
birthday
-
1788-05
-
Birthplace
-
Salmon, ID
-
Death Date
-
1812-12-20
-
Occupation
-
Interpreter
-
Guide
-
Biographical Text
-
Sacajawea was an interpreter and guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Though reliable historical information on Sacajawea's life is limited, there are two acknowledged recounts of her early life. The first from her husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, states she was born into the Shoshone and later abducted by the Hidatsa. The opposing, presented in the book, "Our Story of Eagle Woman," states that she was born into the Hidatsa, taken captive by the Shoshone, and later made her return home. In the early winter of 1804, Sacajawea was hired by Lewis and Clark to accompany their expedition. On their journey, she would utilize her geographical knowledge and bonds with the Shoshone to aid in smoother travels and enact negotiations. Her presence and contributions are mentioned many times throughout the journals of both Lewis and Clark.
In about 1804, at around the age of 13, Sacajawea married Toussaint Charbonneau via a non-consensual marriage tradition. They had two children, Jean Baptiste and Lizette. Sacajawea is said to have passed from an unknown sickness on December 20, 1812. A marker of her assumed grave is located in Fort Washakie, WY.
-
Contributor
-
O'Neill, Iris
Sacajawea, Cemetery Sign, Grave and Plaque