Sacagawea River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sacagawea River |
|
|---|---|
The Sacagawea River
|
|
| Country | Petroleum and Fergus County, Montana |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 47°21′59″N 108°54′01″W / 47.36639°N 108.90028°W |
| River mouth | 2,247 feet (685 m) 47°27′11″N 107°57′46″W / 47.45306°N 107.96278°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Missouri River |
The Sacagawea River is a river in Montana, a state in the United States. It is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) long. This river is a tributary of the Musselshell River. A tributary is a smaller river that flows into a larger river.
The Sacagawea River starts in the flat lands of northern Fergus County. It then flows towards the east. The river used to join the Musselshell River a few miles before the Musselshell met the Missouri River. However, now it flows into a part of Fort Peck Lake. This lake was formed by the Missouri River.
What's the History of the Sacagawea River?
This river was explored a long time ago during the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. This expedition was a journey across the western United States in the early 1800s. The river was named after their guide, a brave Native American woman named Sacagawea.
Why Was the River Named After Sacagawea?
The river was named after Sacagawea because of something amazing she did. One day, she was in a canoe with other members of the expedition. A big storm hit, and the canoe almost flipped over! Everyone was trying to keep the boat steady.
But Sacagawea quickly gathered all the important books, records, and tools from the journey. These items were very valuable. They might have been wrapped in something that kept them safe from the water. Because of her quick thinking and bravery, these important items were saved. That's why the river was named in her honor!
What Are Other Names for the Sacagawea River?
Over time, the Sacagawea River has been known by several other names. Some of these names include:
- Bird Womans River
- Birdwoman's River
- Crooked Creek
- Sah cah ger we-ah River
- Sah-ca-gee-me-ah River
- Sahcagahwea River
