About the Lewis and Clark Expedition

American history buffs know all about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the accomplished young Native American Lemhi Shoshone woman, Sacajawea, who led it. Sacajawea was a member of the Agaidika tribe (or tribe of Salmon Eaters) in the Lemhi Valley of Idaho. This brave teenage girl served as an interpreter and guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition at the tender age of 15, so she was only a very young woman when she participated in this arduous task. The famous expedition took place from 1804 to1806, with the sanction of President Thomas Jefferson.

From the Louisiana Purchase to the Expedition

The Lewis and Clark Expedition is known for its leaders, U.S. Army Captain Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, natives of Virginia who kept journals explaining the various plant and animal forms of life they discovered during their expedition. The expedition was funded courtesy of the Louisiana Purchase, and Lewis and Clark developed working relationships with several nations representing different groups of Native Americans. This famous expedition led to the discovery of many animals and plants that are native to the Pacific locality.

Sacajawea was accompanied by her husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, as they embarked on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Charbonneau was apparently a man who had little character and an even smaller reputation. The reputation of Sacajawea; however, is very highly regarded. In fact, the United States mint issued the Sacajawea dollar in the year 2000 as a memorial coin for the young Native American woman who is now looked up to as a symbol by every American woman who values her independent status and rights.