The Shoshone Tribe

A truly miraculous event happened as this exploration group found themselves walking up and down a seemingly endless chain of tall mountains. They had to abandon their boats, as they noted that Mr. Jefferson’s hopes of a water passage to the Pacific Ocean was non-existent. They desperately needed horses. As the group came close to Janey’s home, they found themselves surrounded by a Shoshone war party one day. Janey looked and looked more closely into the face of the war-chief. As she grew closer to this chief, they both cried out in astonishment. This war chief was none other than Sacagawea (Janey)’s brother! They had not seen each other in several years, and their joy was overwhelming as they embraced each other.

Her brother’s name was Cameahwait. The group was brought to the Shoshone lodges, and they enjoyed many days of celebration. The expedition group had carried many trade items, things the Shoshone had never seen before. One item that was new to the Shoshone was sugar! Sugar cane does not grow in high mountain ranges. Cameahwait was so thrilled with the taste of sugar; he believed it was heavenly food. Cameahwait gladly gave the group all of the horses they needed in exchange for their trade goods and a lot of sugar!