Sacagawea was a very important figure known most importantly for her work with the “Lewis and Clark” expedition. Her “husband” had been hired to be a good for Lewis and Clark in exchange for bringing along Sacagawea. This decision by Clark turned out to be the smartest decision they could ever make as her presence saved them continuously along the entire trip. She eventually perished in her mid-twenties and Clark adopted her children out of gratitude for the many things she had done for him and the expedition as they crossed the nation.
Not much is known about Sacagawea other than she was abducted around age 10 or 11 by another tribe who then sold her into slavery to her husband. By 14, Sacagawea was pregnant and it was during her pregnancy that she began the Lewis and Clark trek across the wilderness. During the trip she gave birth and it is stated she carried her child with her on her back. What was also remarkable about this woman is how it was her knowledge of the wilderness that kept the members of the expedition alive repeatedly. Her knowledge provided food and the ability to heal them, while her presence kept the expedition from being attacked.
In 2000, the Sacagawea coin was minted to be a replacement for the failed Susan B. Anthony dollar which many objected to. Having to use a heavy $1 US coin was not something many were willing to do. Sacagawea is depicted on the coin with her son, Jean-Baptiste, as they made their trek. It is said that one thing her tribe had always longed to do was to see the Pacific Ocean and at the end of their trek while in Oregon she was given her wish by Clark.