Marie Dorion

Dorion, Marie (1790?–1850), Native American of the Iowa tribe, known for her bravery in the Astor Overland Expedition. She was the only woman in the 11-month expedition, which began in St. Louis (1811) and ended in Oregon (1812). During the 3,500-mi (5,630-km) trip, which she traveled mostly on foot with her husband and 2 sons, she gave birth but caught up to the group the following day. After her husband and the other men were killed in Oregon (1814), she survived with her children by building shelter in the snow.