History Extra Podcast – Episode Summary: "Sacagawea: Life of the Week"

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Host: Rebecca Franks
Guest: Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs, Author and President of the Lewis and Clark Trust

Introduction

In the January 21, 2025 episode of the History Extra Podcast, host Rebecca Franks delves into the life and legacy of Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman renowned for her pivotal role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs, a seasoned historian and author, joins the discussion to provide an in-depth exploration of Sacagawea’s contributions, personal life, and enduring legacy.

Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs’ Background

Stephanie introduces herself as someone deeply connected to the Lewis and Clark Trail, having extensively traveled its path to gain a profound understanding of the expedition. She recounts her early experiences hiking the Lolo Trail and paddling the Missouri River, activities inspired by her father, a history professor and bestselling author. Her hands-on approach has enriched her perspective on Sacagawea’s role in the expedition.

Who Was Sacagawea?

[02:04] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"Sacagawea was a Native American young woman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their journey from her village in what is now North Dakota all the way to the Pacific coast. She was approximately 15 or 16 at the time and carried her young son on her back."

Stephanie clarifies that Sacagawea was not merely a guide but served as a translator and a cultural intermediary. Her ability to navigate relationships with various Native American tribes was crucial for the expedition’s success.

Understanding Sacagawea’s Name

[03:08] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"The Sacagawea with a J is from her birth tribe, the Shoshone, and Sacagawea is from the Hidatsa tribe that adopted her. Her name has several meanings, including 'Boat Launcher' and 'Bird Woman'."

This section highlights the complexities surrounding her name's spelling and pronunciation, reflecting her cultural transitions.

Early Life and Capture

[05:24] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"Sacagawea was born around 1788. Her early life with the Shoshone is largely unknown due to the lack of written records, but it's understood she was pledged in marriage before being kidnapped by a Hidatsa tribe."

Stephanie emphasizes that much of Sacagawea’s early life remains speculative, relying heavily on oral histories and Lewis and Clark’s journals.

Role in the Expedition

Translator and Cultural Expert

[11:12] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"The translation chain was quite complex, involving at least five people at times. Sacagawea was pivotal in translating from Shoshone to Hidatsa, and then to French and English."

Her linguistic skills and cultural knowledge facilitated critical negotiations and interactions with Native American tribes, particularly during the crossing of the Bitterroot Mountains.

Symbol of Peace

[13:22] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"Sacagawea symbolized a walking white flag. Her presence assured other tribes that the expedition was not a war party, fostering peaceful relationships."

Sacagawea’s role extended beyond translation; she was a living symbol of peace, which significantly eased the expedition’s interactions with indigenous communities.

Challenges Faced

Health Scares

[17:25] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"Near the Great Falls, Sacagawea fell ill with what was called putrid fever. The expedition members were deeply concerned as her health was vital for their continued success."

Her illness and subsequent recovery were pivotal moments that underscored her indispensable role in the journey.

Near-Disasters

[17:25] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"During a hailstorm near the Great Falls, Sacagawea lost supplies, and Captain Clark worried about her health and the expedition’s morale."

These incidents highlight the constant perils the group faced and Sacagawea’s resilience in overcoming them.

Personal Life and Family

Jean Baptiste Charbonneau

[14:40] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"Jean Baptiste was born during the expedition and became a significant figure in his own right, working as a translator and adventurer."

Jean Baptiste’s life story further illustrates Sacagawea’s lasting legacy, bridging cultures and contributing to American frontier history.

Sacagawea’s Legacy

Cultural Memorials

[25:19] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"Sacagawea is memorialized in countless ways, including statues, the Sacagawea dollar coin designed by Glenna Goodacre, schools, and more."

Her widespread recognition is a testament to her enduring impact on American history and culture.

Misconceptions

[28:10] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"A common misconception is that Sacagawea was a guide. In reality, she was a translator and cultural expert who provided critical support at key moments."

Clarifying these misconceptions helps in appreciating her true contributions beyond popular myth.

Reputation Among Native Americans

[31:40] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"Sacagawea is regarded as a serious and important figure. However, some view her role as inadvertently contributing to the westward expansion that affected Native populations negatively."

This nuanced perspective acknowledges both her positive contributions and the broader consequences of the expedition.

Final Years and Death

[24:13] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"Sacagawea likely died of typhus at a trading post called Fort Manuel Lisa, now underwater. Another less accepted account claims she lived to be 100 and is buried in Wyoming."

The uncertainty surrounding her death reflects the gaps in historical records about her later life.

End of the Expedition

[22:55] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"At the expedition's end, Sacagawea returned to the Knife River villages. Her departure was marked by her commitment to her son's education, as William Clark adopted him and ensured his education in St. Louis."

Stephanie highlights the strong bonds formed during the expedition and Sacagawea’s dedication to her family’s future.

Stephanie’s Further Contributions

[34:04] Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs:
"I authored 'The Lewis and Clark Companion' and 'Why Sacagawea Deserves a Day Off and Other Lessons from the Lewis and Clark Trail,' which offer comprehensive insights into the expedition and Sacagawea’s role."

Her works serve as valuable resources for those seeking to understand the complexities of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Sacagawea’s contributions.

Conclusion

Rebecca Franks concludes the episode by emphasizing Sacagawea's integral role in one of America's most significant exploratory missions. Through Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs' expert insights, listeners gain a deeper appreciation of Sacagawea’s multifaceted contributions, her enduring legacy, and the historical contexts that shaped her life.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs [02:04]:
  "Sacagawea was a Native American young woman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their journey... she was approximately 15 or 16 at the time and carried her young son on her back."

• Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs [07:26]:
  "Some people have said she's like a human Rorschach test... fact, fiction, oral history, written history, it's all a big picture with her."

• Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs [12:54]:
  "She gave some gifts, basically, to Clark. She gave him some ermine tales for Christmas when they were on the coast... the blue beaded belt is a story of them kind of appropriating her personal adornments."

• Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs [26:15]:
  "Sacagawea is memorialized in countless ways, including statues, the Sacagawea dollar coin..."

• Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs [28:10]:
  "A common misconception is that Sacagawea was a guide. In reality, she was a translator and cultural expert who provided critical support at key moments."

This episode offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Sacagawea’s life, shedding light on her indispensable role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and her lasting impact on American history.