Sacagawea
(c.1790-1812 or 1884)
Sacagawea is referred to as a legendary figure in the history of the American West. I have heard her name multiple times throughout my education, as well as seen her in exhibits while visiting museums. Although, I have never actually studied or specifically read up on Sacagawea.
This article states that she was the daughter of a Shoshone chief, and was initially kidnapped by the Hidatsa when she was ten years old. The Hidatsa brought her back to their village in Missouri. She was then sold and wed to a French Canadian trapper named Toussainit Charbonneau.
Sacagawea became legendary for her involvement with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Lewis and Clark were assisted by Sacagawea's and her husband Charbonneau as an interpreter for their expedition in 1804. She also assisted them by providing good word of them to the Natives they met along the way. A famous quote that was found in Clark's journal states, "a woman with a party of men is a token of peace".
The story goes on to state how Sacagawea gave birth to her first child, of whom Clark nicknamed Pompey. She carried the child on a cradleboard as they headed upriver along their journey. The child was then referred to as the "second token of peace".
The most significant part of the story was when the group was four months into their journey, and they had reached the navigable limits of Missouri. The group met with a Shoshone band, with hope of obtaining horses to take across the mountains on their journey. Sacagawea assisted as the interpretor durring this meeting. It turned out that the band was led by her older brother Cameahwait. Instead of joining up with her brother and her people again, Sacagawea chose to continue on with her husband, and Lewis and Clark.
The group seperated on their return journey. Sacagawea and Charbonneau's historical records of their lives become conjectural from that point on.
What I found to be extremly interesting about the biography of Sawcagawea was the fact the she was intially kidnapped and wed against her will, but she was able to come across her family again and chose to stay with her husband and the expedition. Why do you think she did this ?? The knowledge, the adventure ??
"Sacagawea." New Perspectives on The West. PBS, 2001. Web. 12 June 2014.
<http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/s_z/sacagawea.htm>.
Hi Laura! I have heard different references to Sacagawea but have never heard an account as detailed as yours so thank you for sharing! In regards to your question- I think that Sacagawea chose to continue on in her new life because once kidnapped she accepted her fate and chose to make the best of it thus falling in love with her husband, starting a family and of course- enjoying gaining and sharing knowledge while going on adventures with the Lewis and Clark crew. Similar examples include Mary Jemison and Pocahontas.
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ReplyDeleteI wonder if Lewis and Clark made it impossible for Sacagewea to return to her tribe. She was so valuable to them. I also wonder of she thought that this invaluable task that she was performing was so much more important than being home. Her husband and two children were with her for these journey.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that she probably grew to love her husband, after all they did have a child together. I would assume the love for her child was also a major reason why she would stay with her husband, wanting to keep her family together for her child's sake. I think that since she gave up her own life for the lives of her husband and child it was a blessing that she was able to meet up with her brother and family again, even if it was only for a short time.
ReplyDeleteI also was viewing the PBS Lewis and Clark website recently and it discusses how Lewis and a lark had a general speech they would give when taking over an Indian's land that basically said 'We are here to inform you that your land is no longer yours as it is now property of the white man. in your post I love the part reflecting the journal Clark kept stating 'A woman with a party of men is a token of peace", she probably had a kind disposition in such a troublesome violent time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your comments, and responses!! I like the idea that maybe she continued on with your journey because she felt it was her calling, it was more important to the future and the future of her kids. Sorry I did not respond sooner !! To many postings to keep remembering to go back to and check!! haha.
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