The true story of Sacajawea - Karen Mensing
3,089,838 Views
17,329 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
In the early 19th century, a young Agaidika teenager named Sacajawea was enlisted by explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to aid her husband Toussaint Charbonneau as a guide to the Western United States. Karen Mensing debunks some of the myths that surround the familiar image of the heroic woman with a baby strapped to her back and a vast knowledge of the American wilderness.
Sacajawea gave birth during the expedition to a little boy she named Jean Baptiste, also known as “Pomp.” She carried her baby on her back for the remainder of the journey. Do you think having a baby slowed down the expedition? How might having an infant during such a trip change things? Do you think having Pompy along helped or hurt the journey?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Karen Mensing
- Director Darcy Vorhees
- Artist Tom Beuerlein, Marissa Hutchins, Sarah Johnson, Stephen Brooks
- Narrator Jim Sharpe
