Sacajawea's Role In The Lewis And Clark Expedition

Many modern Americans know the story of Sacajawea, how she led Lewis and Clark on their expedition to explore the new land found in the Louisiana Purchase. Many of these modern Americans are unaware that most of the story is false. There are many popular misconceptions on Sacagawea, including the spelling and pronunciation of her name (credited to Nicholas Biddle), the definition of her name (the responsibility of John Rees) , and the role she played in the Lewis and Clark Expedition (courtesy of Dr. Grace Raymond Hebard). Sacagawea was a Shoshoni Native American woman born in the vicinity of present Lemhi River Valley, Idaho, around 1788. When she was roughly twelve years old, she was kidnapped by the Hidatsa Native Americans, and taken to

Much of the role she played in the expedition has been romanticized by many authors, most prominently Grace Hebard. The first author to romanticize Sacagawea’s role was Eva Emery Dye, who portrayed Sacagawea (or, as written in the book, Sacajawea) as a guide in her book, The Conquest. Her role as a guide has been expanded more and more over the years by more and more writers. Dr. Grace Raymond Hebard enlarged the role of Sacagawea beyond credibility, adding over seventy extra years to her life. She even inserted false entries into the Lewis and Clark journals, claiming that they were based on historical fact and research. Another example of Hebard’s disregard for integrity of primary source is when she wrote her own reaction to Sacagawea’s actions, and presented it, claiming it had been part of Clark’s comments. She extrapolated Clark’s quote: “She was very observant. SHe had a good memory, remembering locations not seen since her childhood. When in trouble, she was full of resources, plucky and determined. With her helpless infant she rode with the men, guiding us unerringly through mountain passes and lonely places. Intelligent, cheerful, resourceful, tireless, faithful, she inspired us all.” However, Sacagawea was unfamiliar with almost all of the land covered by the expedition. But Hebard was not satisfied with only corrupting the Lewis and Clark journal entries with her excessive romanticizing of Sacagawea. Statements by other of Sacagawea’s contemporaries, that documented her life following the expedition, were also meddled with by Hebard. She substituted her opinions for vital fact, challenged the accuracy of the primary accounts, and more. She even created an outrageous theory concerning the life and death of Sacagawea, one that has become famous and legend-like. Hebard stated that the Shoshoni woman lived a long, full and active life, spending her final years on the Wind