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The purpose of this article is to highlight the impact of the life of one of the most popular women in American history, Sacagawea. Her valuable contribution to history has been nationally recognized by the placement of her name on 23 statues. Her name is also included on landmarks; rivers; memorials; poems; parks; songs; and the Sacagawea Dollar, issued in 2000. After joining Lewis and Clark and what was called their "Corps of Volunteers on an Expedition of North Western Discovery" in the winter of 1804, this young Shoshone Indian girl's life story became one of the most popular and interesting of any woman in United States history. Yet, there are no photos, portraits, or drawings of her. A Native American woman was the model for her coin.
The information in this article can be used to introduce the expedition of Lewis and Clark, the Westward Expansion, and the lives of Native Americans at that time. Sacagawea's impact on the westward expansion movement was impressive because she was a female and only sixteen years old at the time. Still a child by today's standards, Sacagawea faced a life of traumatic abuse and hardship but with her bravery and perseverance, she secured a place in history as an interpreter, diplomat, and peace symbol for one of the most important expeditions in United States history. If not for the journals kept by Lewis and Clark throughout their journey, perhaps the contributions of Sacagawea might have gone unnoticed and unappreciated.
During this time, women still found themselves subordinated, both legally and socially, to their husbands. They were disenfranchised and expected to be content serving as wives and mothers. Sacagawea was no exception. When the journey began, she was a new wife and mother with her first infant, Pomp.
There are no official documents with the exact date of her birth, but according to the journals kept by Lewis and Clark, it is estimated that Sacagawea was sold into marriage when she was thirteen years old and was carrying her first child by the time she was sixteen years old.
There are many popular, but sometimes inaccurate, stories about Sacagawea that have added to her public image, but the best way to highlight her character traits and the importance...