The United States entered a period of territorial expansion in the 19th century. At that stage, large portions of the country's territory consisted of undisturbed forests. The maps only track states along the East Coast. The lack of Western topographic information encouraged the government to increase funding for exploration. He sponsored the Lewis and Clark Expedition, probably his most famous mission, to explore the rugged wilderness. The expedition encountered various Native American tribes during its journey. Naturally, the ability to communicate effectively became essential to the group's survival. A Shoshone teenager named Sacagawea served as interpreter. Despite being the only woman to join the expedition, Sacagawea proved her worth by demonstrating extraordinary courage and resourcefulness. He didn't receive proper recognition until years after his death; however, many remember her as the unsung hero of the expedition. Sacagawea's contributions went beyond linguistic interpretation. Recalling his past with the Shoshone tribe, he provided helpful information on how to navigate an otherwise unfamiliar landscape. The explorers knew little about foraging for food, but with his knowledge they were able to find edible plants. As a native, Sacagawea's presence also helped ease tensions with tribes who distrusted the explorers. Lewis and Clark responded to his loyalty with due respect. They allowed her to participate and vote in group decisions, long before women's right to suffrage. Sacagawea later became "a symbol of rights and a face for the National American Woman Suffrage Association." The name Sacagawea translates to "bird woman" in Hidatsa and "boat puller" in the Shoshone language. “Among scholars there is a preferred spelling [...... middle of paper ...... sion led to the discovery that the chief's sister, Sacagawea, worked as their interpreter. The two were reunited and the tribe held a short but happy celebration. Subsequently, Sacagawea mediated with the Shoshone, convincing them to share crucial resources with the expedition. .htmlhttp://www.historynet.com/sacagawea http://www.sacagawea-biography.org/significance-role-lewis-clark-expedition/ http://www.cdapress.com/lifestyles/article_26b2bdb5-6967- 55ce-ad97-b8d91f69d007.htmlhttp://www.defense.gov/specials/nativeamerican01/life.html http://www.shoshoneindian.com/ http://www.nwhm.org/education-resources/biography/biographies /sacajawea/ http://www.shoshoneindian.com/ http://www.behindthename.com/name/sacagaweahttp://www.historynet.com/sacagawea