Logan, Utah - Forging through rivers and over mountains as an interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark, Sacagawea is legendary for her perseverance and resourcefulness. To honor her influence in American exploration, Camp Chef announces a commemorative edition cast iron Dutch oven.
"Sacagawea was to the Corps of Discovery what Betty Crocker is to American cooks today," said Colleen Sloan, author of the Log Cabin Grub cookbook series. "She brought roots, vegetables and fruits to the explorer's diets."

One evening when the exploration party halted for dinner, Lewis recorded, "…the squaw busied herself in searching for wild artichokes which the mice collect and deposit in large hoards." Lewis went on to say," her labour soon proved successful, and she procured a good quantity of these roots."
Stories such as this are not uncommon in Sacagawea's history. And just as Sacagawea's legend will last forever in American history, the Sacagawea Dutch oven will last forever as it creates timeless memories and gourmet food for the modern-day explorer.

The versatile, 10-inch Dutch oven is the latest item in Camp Chef's popular Lewis and Clark cookware lineup to commemorate the great American expedition 200 years ago.

The 6-quart pot features Advantage Cast Iron pre-seasoned finish and patented modern updates, including a thermometer knotch. The deep lid is easily reversed for a full-size skillet for eggs, pancakes and sausage. The high lid creates the space required for hot air to circulate, allowing food to cook evenly instead of burning. The Dutch oven is perfect for potatoes, cobblers, stews and roasts. Whatever you cook will come out with that one-of-a kind Dutch oven flavor.

Because Sacagawea is one of the most recognized women in American history Camp Chef has chosen to honor her. At the age of fifteen or sixteen she became a translator and mediator for the Corps of Discovery, but we really know little about her.

In the spring of 1805 while traveling by boat on the Missouri River, in eastern Montana, "the River's waves were high and if the boat had overturned, all the people ‘would most probably have perished'" said Clark. "While others were bailing the boat out Sacagawea was catching articles that were floating away," all this with her baby boy on her back.

Clark said, "these articles seem to have counted nearly as much as the people on board. This accident likely could have cost us deerly…" The articles included such items as Lewis and Clark's papers, instruments, books, medicines and more.

This accident could have ended the expedition right then, but thanks to Sacagawea's quick thinking the expedition was saved. Lewis credited ‘fortitude and resolution' to Sacagawea for saving the day. A few days later "hunters explored five miles up the Musselshell, finding a creek, the captains named it Sacagawea River, perhaps to honor her quick action in the accident."

"To me, the Lewis and Clark group is one of the nation's first no-trace campers," said Guy Perkins, Camp Chef employee and camping enthusiast. "It's good to know that some of our nation's greatest explorers are also some of the best examples when it comes to responsible camping. Sacagawea is a shining example for outdoors enthusiasts."

The Dutch oven includes a lift tool, starter booklet with seasoning tips and recipes. The Commemorative Edition Lewis and Clark cast is also included on the lid.

For more information regarding the Sacagawea Dutch oven or other Lewis and Clark commemorative cooking equipment, visit www.campchef.com or call 1-800-650-CHEF.