What was the role of Sacagawea in the Lewis and Clark expedition?
1 Answer
Scacagawa had no official role in the expedition but proved to be of great value.
Explanation:
Lewis and Clark had hired Scacagawa's French husband as a guide for the expedition. French fur traders were familiar with the Missouri River valley as they traded with the Indians along the river for furs.
Scacagawa turn out to be a much better guide than her husband.
Not only did she know the Missouri River Valley she was also familiar with the distant Rocky Mountains as that is where is was born before she was captured and sold to the French traders.
When the expedition got to the Rocky Mountains they encounter the tribe where Scacagawa had been born. Scacagua's brother was a leader of the tribe. Because of the presence of Scacagawa in the expedition Lewis and Clark were well received.
The tribe provided Lewis and Clark with horses needed for crossing Rocky Mountains. Without Scacagawa it is likely the Lewis and Clark Expedition would never have reached the Pacific Ocean.
