“Our party has enjoyed a great share of health and are in high spirits...Country and river above this is but little known our information is altogether from Indians collected at different times and entitled to some credit.”
- William Clark, Letter to William Croghan, 1805 |
Knowledge of Nearby Tribes and Native Areas
Sacagawea proved to be an invaluable resource when it came to knowledge of native tribes and areas. There are many instances in Lewis and Clark’s journals in which it is noted that she shares her take on potential signs of nearby Indians. She also informed them of familiar landmarks upon nearing her homeland, although this was mostly seen toward the very end of the trip. Nevertheless, Sacagawea’s knowledge of nearby tribes and areas greatly helped the crew to achieve success in their mission of exploration. Here are some specific instances in which she did this.
Regional Climate
Although she was no meteorologist, Sacagawea had some useful tips regarding the weather and climate in certain areas. On April 25th, a crew member recalled that she had done the voyage a great favor by explaining that the area was very dry and received little rain. (Journal of Private Joseph Whitehouse, April 25)
Cloth at Abandoned CampsAt one point, the crew passed an abandoned Indian camp. They made note of the red cloth left behind in certain places, which Sacagawea described as being a traditional gift to the gods that natives often placed before leaving. This knowledge helped the crew in their quest of exploration.
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Pine Tree Bark
On July 19th, the group came across a collection of abandoned Indian camps. They noticed that many of the pine trees had areas where the bark had been peeled off. Sacagawea explained that the bark could be used to make certain things, and that the softer wood beneath was good for sap and food.
Navigation on Return TripOn the return trip, the voyagers often found difficulty in finding their way. As soon as Sacagawea recognized her homeland, she pointed out certain routes to the rest of the crew. Clark writes, “The Indian woman who has been of great service to me as a pilot through this country recommends a gap in the mountain more South which I shall cross.” Upon taking this pass, the group found the canoes that they had left in the valley the previous year. Sacagawea continued to prove her value in her knowledge of the land.
"Lewis and Clark at Three Forks" from Montana Historical Society ▻
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Picture: "Shoshone Indians Belonging to the Sheepeater Band at a Mountain Camp in Eastern Idaho, 1877" from Idaho State Historical Society
2015 National History Day Project by Liam Mullen