Women Leaders: SacagaweaBy Biography.com Editors and A+E Networks, adapted by Newsela staff

Grade Level 607/25/2016

Word Count 691

Sacagawea

Synopsis: Sacagawea was born around 1788 in Lemhi County, Idaho. She_ was the

daughter of a Shoshone Indian chief. _At around age 12, she was captured by an

enemy tribe and sold to a French-Canadian fur trapper who made her his wife. In

November 1804, she was invited to join the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the

West as a Shoshone interpreter. After leaving the expedition, she died at Fort Manuel

in what is now Kenel, South Dakota, around 1812.

Early Life

Sacagawea was a Shoshone Indian interpreter best known for serving as a member of

the Lewis and Clark expedition into the American West. She is also well-known for

being the only woman on the famous journey. Much of Sacagawea's life is a mystery.

She was born around 1788, although some say 1786 or 1787, in Lemhi County, Idaho,

and was the daughter of a Shoshone chief.

Around the age of 12, Sacagawea was captured by Hidatsa Indians, an enemy of the

Shoshones. They then sold her to a French-Canadian fur trapper named Toussaint

Charbonneau, who made her one of his wives.

Sacagawea and her husband lived among the Hidatsa and Mandan Indians in the

upper Missouri River area. This region is now part of North Dakota. In November

1804, an expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark entered the area. The

group wanted to explore the western lands of the United States and find a route to the

Pacific Ocean. Lewis and Clark met Charbonneau and quickly hired him to serve as

their interpreter. Even though she was about to give birth to her first child, Sacagawea

was chosen to go along with them. Lewis and Clark thought that her knowledge of the

Shoshone language would help them during their journey.

Lewis And Clark Expedition

In February 1805, Sacagawea gave birth to a son named Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.

Although she was busy taking care of a baby, Sacagawea was helpful to the explorers

in many ways. She was skilled at finding edible plants. When her boat tipped over, she

was able to save some of its cargo, including important documents and supplies. She

also served as a symbol of peace. People were less suspicious of a group traveling with

a woman and a child than a group of men traveling alone.

Sacagawea made a miraculous discovery of her own during the trip west. When the

explorers came across a group of Shoshone Indians, she soon realized that its leader

was her brother Cameahwait. It was through her that the expedition was able to buy

horses from the Shoshone to cross the Rocky Mountains. Despite this joyous family

reunion, Sacagawea remained with the explorers for the rest of the travels west.

They reached the Pacific coast in November 1805. Sacagawea was allowed to vote

along with the other members of the expedition on where they would build a fort to

stay for the winter. They built Fort Clatsop near present-day Astoria, Oregon. They

remained there until March of the following year. Sacagawea, her husband, and her

son remained with the group on the return trip east until they reached the Mandan

villages. During the journey, Clark had become fond of her son Jean Baptiste,

nicknaming him "Pomp" or "Pompey." Clark even offered to help him get an education.

Her Life After The Expedition

Once Sacagawea left the expedition, few details of her life are known. In 1809, it is

believed that she and her husband—or just her husband, according to some accounts—

traveled with their son to St. Louis, Missouri, to see Clark. Pomp was left in Clark's

care. Three years later, Sacagawea gave birth to her second child, a daughter named

Lisette. A few months after her daughter's birth, Sacagawea died at Fort Manuel in

what is now Kenel, South Dakota, around 1812. After her death, Clark looked after her

two children, and ultimately adopted them both.

Over the years, many have honored Sacagawea and her contribution to the Lewis and

Clark expedition. There are places named after her and statues made in her

image. She is even featured on a dollar coin issued by the U.S. Mint.

READING QUESTIONS

1. Which detail would be MOST important to include in a summary of the article?

A Sacagawea was an interpreter on the Lewis and Clark expedition. B Fort Clatsop was built near present-day Astoria, Oregon.C Clark nicknamed Sacagawea's son "Pomp" or "Pompey."D Sacagawea is featured on a dollar coin.

2.Read the section "Lewis And Clark Expedition."Which sentence BEST summarizes the central idea of this section?

A Sacagawea discovered her brother Cameahwait during her travels with Lewis and Clark.B Lewis and Clark led an expedition across the Rocky Mountains and reached the Pacific coast in 1805.C Sacagawea played an important role in helping Lewis and Clark reach the Pacific coast.D Sacagawea was a dedicated mother to her son on her journey into the American West.

3.What is the MAIN way the author introduces Sacagawea in the first three paragraphs of the article?

A by giving a brief overview of the major events in her life.B by telling a story about her journey with Lewis and ClarkC by describing what people think of her in modern timesD by listing her life's major achievements

4.Why has Sacagawea been honored by people in the United States?

A She negotiated peace between the Shoshone Indians and the explorers Lewis and Clark.B She helped Lewis and Clark in their efforts to discover a route to the Pacific Ocean.C She died assisting Lewis and Clark on their journey to explore the American West.D She led Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean while caring for her infant son.

Military Leaders: TecumsehBy Biography.com Editors and A+E Networks, adapted by Newsela staff

Grade Level 805/10/2017

Word Count 861

Tecumseh standing and holding a rifle. Photo from Library of Congress.

Synopsis: Tecumseh was a Shawnee Native American chief, born in 1768 south of

present-day Columbus, Ohio. He opposed the United States during the early 1800s and

attempted to organize a confederation, or group, of tribes to resist white settlement in

the Ohio River Valley. During the War of 1812, Tecumseh and his followers joined the

British to fight the United States. He was killed in the Battle of the Thames in Canada

on October 5, 1813.

Early Life

Tecumseh grew up amid constant warfare that ravaged the Ohio River Valley in the

late 1700s. His father, Puckeshinwa, a minor war chief, was killed in the Battle of Port

Pleasant during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). His mother,

Methoataske, migrated with other Shawnees to what is now Missouri. This left

Tecumseh to be raised by his older sister, Tecumpease.

Young Warrior

During his teenage years, Tecumseh joined a confederation of Native Americans led by

Mohawk chief Joseph Brant. Brant encouraged tribes to pool their resources and

defend their territory against the white man’s advances. Tecumseh led a raiding party

that attacked the boats of white settlers who were traveling down the Ohio River. For a

while, he successfully stopped settlers from moving on the river. However, Tecumseh

was appalled by the brutality displayed by both whites and Native Americans. After

seeing a white man burned at the stake, Tecumseh vehemently criticized his fellow

tribesmen for their actions.

In 1791, under the leadership of Shawnee chief Blue Jacket, Tecumseh led a scouting

party against U.S. General Arthur St. Clair at the Battle of the Wabash. Other Native

Americans joined the Shawnee in this battle, which killed 952 of the 1,000 American

soldiers present. In June 1794, Tecumseh, fought against troops led by Major General

Anthony Wayne, but the Native Americans were badly defeated at the Battle of Fallen

Timbers.

Forming A Confederation Of Native American Tribes

This defeat led to the Treaty of Greenville between the United States and Native

American tribes. Tecumseh was so bitter about this loss that he refused to attend the

peace negotiations or to acknowledge the treaty. He sharply criticized the “peace”

chiefs who signed away land that he believed wasn’t theirs to give. He said that the

land was like the air and water, a common possession of all Native Americans.

Around 1808 Tecumseh and a small band of tribesmen traveled to what is now Indiana.

They joined his brother Tenskwatawa, who had recently become a prominent Native

American religious leader known as the Prophet.

Using his superior speaking skills, Tecumseh over time transformed his brother’s

religious following into a political movement that gained new supporters. He

discouraged Native Americans from assimilating into the white world. Tecumseh made

his headquarters at Prophetstown, Indiana, near the meeting point of the Tippecanoe

and Wabash rivers. He began recruiting different tribes throughout the Northwest

Territory and southern United States.

The Battle Of Tippecanoe

In the fall of 1811, Tecumseh was in the South on a recruiting mission. At that time,

Indiana Governor William Henry Harrison moved a force of 1,000 men to

Prophetstown. On November 6, the Prophet sent a message asking to meet with

Harrison, but the next day he launched a sneak attack on Harrison's camp. During the

Battle of Tippecanoe, the Native Americans were thrown back and defeated after three

hours of fighting. The victorious Americans burned the town and scattered Tecumseh's

forces. Afterward, Tecumseh returned to try and rebuild his confederation.

The War Of 1812

On June 1, 1812, the United States Congress declared war on Great Britain. In the

Northwest Territory, the different Native Americans tribes found their allegiances

split. For his part, Tecumseh joined forces with the British. He moved his small band of

warriors to Michigan to assist British Major-General Sir Isaac Brock in the Siege of

Detroit. As British forces were stationed just outside the range of the Americans' guns,

Tecumseh had his warriors repeatedly parade out from a nearby wooded area and

circle back, making it appear that their numbers were much greater. Fearing a

massacre, American commander Brigadier General William Hull surrendered.

Final Battle And Death

But Tecumseh’s euphoria over the victory at Detroit would be short-lived. In the spring

of 1813, he joined British Major General Henry Procter, and together they led their

forces in the Siege of Fort Meigs in northwestern Ohio. This fort was commanded by

Tecumseh’s old enemy, William Henry Harrison. When Harrison’s forces

counterattacked, Procter and Tecumseh retreated farther into Canada, to the Thames

River, in present-day southern Ontario. Procter promised Tecumseh he would send

reinforcements to Tecumseh, but the reinforcements never showed. On October 5,

1813, Tecumseh’s small 500-man force was overrun by Harrison’s 3,000-man army and

Tecumseh was killed.

Legacy

Tecumseh’s death marked the decline of Native American resistance in most of the

middle and southern United States. Over the next two decades, exhausted Native

American tribes were forced to move beyond the Mississippi River. During his life,

Tecumseh’s political leadership, humane policies and bravery attracted the respect of

friends and foes alike. In the time since, a mythology has developed around him that

has transformed him into an American folk hero.

READING QUESTIONS

1.Read the selection from the section "The Battle Of Tippecanoe."

On November 6, the Prophet sent a message asking to meet with Harrison, but the next day he launched a sneak attack on Harrison's camp. During the Battle of Tippecanoe, the Native Americans were thrown back and defeated after three hours of fighting. The victorious Americans burned the town and scattered Tecumseh's forces. Afterward, Tecumseh returned to try and rebuild his confederation.

Which idea is BEST supported by this selection?

A Tecumseh was determined to continue fighting even after a serious defeat.B The Native Americans would have won the battle if Tecumseh had been there.C Tecumseh's forces were not willing to rejoin the confederation after defeat.D The Native American forces no longer listened to the Prophet after the sneak attack.

2.The article suggests that Tecumseh was an outspoken supporter of fair and humane practices in battle. Which of the following selections from the article BEST supports this idea?

A However, Tecumseh was appalled by the brutality displayed by both whites and Native Americans. After seeing a white man burned at the stake, Tecumseh vehemently criticized his fellow tribesmen for their actions.

B In 1791, under the leadership of Shawnee chief Blue Jacket, Tecumseh led a scouting party against U.S. General Arthur St. Clair at the Battle of the Wabash. Other Native Americans joined the Shawnee in this battle, which killed 952 of the 1,000 American soldiers present.

C He sharply criticized the “peace” chiefs who signed away land that he believed wasn’t theirs to give. He said that the land was like the air and water, a common possession of all Native Americans.

D As British forces were stationed just outside the range of the Americans' guns, Tecumseh had his warriors repeatedly parade out from a nearby wooded area and circle back, making it appear that their numbers were much greater.3.The section "Early Life" develops a key concept of the article by:

A describing the migration of Tecumseh's family and other Native AmericansB explaining the battle principles Tecumseh had learned from his fatherC demonstrating how Tecumseh was affected by his family relationshipsD establishing conflict with whites as a defining part of Tecumseh's life

4.Read the paragraph from the section "Forming A Confederation Of Native American Tribes."

Using his superior speaking skills, Tecumseh over time transformed his brother’s religious following into a political movement that gained new supporters. He discouraged Native Americans from assimilating into the white world. Tecumseh made his headquarters at Prophetstown, Indiana, near the meeting point of the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers. He began recruiting different tribes throughout the Northwest Territory and southern United States.

What does this paragraph accomplish?

A It demonstrates Tecumseh's reasons for establishing Prophetstown as a headquarters.B It illustrates the contrast between the beliefs of Tecumseh and his brother.C It describes the events that led to Tecumseh's transition from warrior to leader.

D It explains the cause of Tecumseh's belief that Native Americans must not compromise.