Near Pasco in Franklin County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Sacagawea
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 31, 2010
1. Sacagawea Marker
During the winter of 1804-05 at Fort Mandan, in present-day North Dakota , Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark hired Sacagawea’s French-Canadian husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, as an interpreter. Sacagawea would accompany him as the Expedition’s “interpretess,” as termed in the captains’ journals.
Sacagawea has been celebrated as a guide who bravely led the Expedition up the Missouri River, over the Rocky Mountains, and down the Snake and Columbia rivers to the Pacific Ocean, while caring for her infant son and husband. Expedition journals, however, reveal Sacagawea as an interpreter and food gatherer, symbol of friendship, and link to her own tribe. Although not a guide for the entire journey, she did recognize landmarks in the lands of her own people in the Rocky Mountains.
In 1931, the nearby state park was named in her honor.
Erected by Washington State Department of Transportation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Native Americans
this page online
Location. 46° 13.092′ N, 119° 1.624′ W. Marker is near Pasco, Washington, in Franklin County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Sacajawea Park Road and U.S. 12, on the left when traveling east. The marker is located in the middle of a scenic parking area on the left hand side of Sacajawea Park Road just south of US-12. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pasco WA 99301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ainsworth (here, next to this marker); Lewis and Clark Trail (approx. 0.7 miles away); Here Stood Fort Nez Perce (approx. 10.8 miles away); Fort Nez Percés / Fort Walla Walla (approx. 10.8 miles away); Fort Walla Walla (approx. 10.8 miles away); The History of Wallula (approx. 12.2 miles away); a different marker also named The History of Wallula (approx. 12.2 miles away).
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 31, 2010
2. Wide view of the Sacagawea Marker
Near the Sacajawea State Park, the Sacagawea marker (left) stands next to the Ainsworth marker.
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, July 31, 2010
3. The confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers
The Lewis and Clark Expedition camped at the site of the present day Sacajawea State Park. The park is visible as the wooded point of land on the right where Snake River flows into the Columbia River.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,244 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 30, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.
