Sacagawea’s Son: Jean Baptiste Charbonneau
Birth and Early Life
Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman who served as a guide and interpreter on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, gave birth to a son named Jean Baptiste Charbonneau in February 1805 at Fort Mandan. The birth was particularly challenging, and Sacagawea’s husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, administered a small portion of rattlesnake rattle as a traditional medicine to hasten the labor.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Jean Baptiste Charbonneau accompanied his mother on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which set out to explore the Louisiana Purchase and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. William Clark, co-leader of the expedition, became particularly fond of the young boy and later became his guardian.
Encounter with the Sioux
In February 1805, a group of Sioux warriors stole two horses from the expedition. Captain Lewis and a detachment of men pursued the Sioux but were unable to recover the horses. The Sioux also threatened to kill any members of the expedition they encountered in the future.
Jean Baptiste’s Later Life
After the expedition, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau lived with his mother and stepfather in St. Louis. In 1823, he met Duke Paul Wilhelm Friedrich Herzog of Wurttemberg, Germany, who invited him to travel to Europe. Charbonneau spent six years in Europe, where he learned German and traveled extensively.
Return to the United States
Charbonneau returned to the United States in 1829 and worked as a guide and interpreter in the western territories. He also worked as a trapper with Jim Bridger and Kit Carson.
California and the Gold Rush
Charbonneau eventually settled in California, where he served as alcalde, or magistrate, at the San Luis Rey Mission. In 1866, he joined gold prospectors headed for the Montana Territory.
Death and Legacy
Charbonneau died of pneumonia in Oregon near the Idaho border in 1866 at the age of 61. He was the last surviving member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition except for Sgt. Patrick Gass.
Historical Significance
Jean Baptiste Charbonneau was a significant figure in the history of the American West. As the son of Sacagawea, he played a role in the exploration of the Louisiana Purchase and the westward expansion of the United States. His own life and career as a guide, trapper, and magistrate further contributed to the development of the West.