Sacagawea gave birth to her son Jean-Baptiste, nicknamed "Pomp" by William Clark, before departing with the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
On February 11, 1805, Sacagawea gave birth to her son Jean-Baptiste at Fort Mandan. This event marked a significant personal milestone amidst the preparations for the arduous westward trek with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Her son, affectionately called "Pomp" by Clark, would accompany the expedition. The presence of a woman and child on the journey was unusual and helped to demonstrate peaceful intentions to the various native tribes the Corps would encounter. This occurrence illustrates the personal sacrifices Sacagawea made and her commitment to the expedition's success, even under challenging circumstances.