Sacagawea Day
Sacagawea Day honors a remarkable Shoshone woman who played a key role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Born around 1788, the Hidatsa tribe captured Sacagawea and later sold it to a French-Canadian trapper, Toussaint Charbonneau.
Celebrate women's contributions to American history and exploration by connecting audiences to Sacagawea's legacy through educational experiences, outdoor activities, and cultural storytelling.
- Museum exhibits and historical site partnerships highlighting the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Sacagawea's role
- Native plant gardening guides and seed/plant promotions tied to historical botanical knowledge
- Hiking trail recommendations and outdoor adventure content celebrating landscapes Sacagawea traversed
- Educational book clubs and reading guides about Sacagawea's life and impact on American exploration
Sacagawea Day started as a way to honor Sacagawea’s significant contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Her role as an interpreter and guide helped the Corps of Discovery succeed in their mission to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.
The push to recognize her officially began gaining momentum in the late 20th century, with various states and organizations advocating for a day dedicated to her memory.
In 2001, President Bill Clinton posthumously awarded Sacagawea the title of Honorary Sergeant, Regular Army, acknowledging her invaluable contributions.
This recognition highlighted the importance of her role in American history. The movement to celebrate Sacagawea Day aimed to bring more awareness to her story and the impact she had on the exploration of the American West.
From 2000 to 2008, the United States Mint made the Sacagawea coin in recognition of her significant contribution. The one dollar coin featured a manganese brass outer layer, giving it a golden color.
The day is celebrated to remember Sacagawea’s bravery, resourcefulness, and the crucial part she played in one of the most significant exploratory missions in U.S. history. It is scheduled to take place on this date in honor of the day Sacagawea died, December 20, 1812.
It serves as a reminder of the contributions of women and Native Americans, ensuring their stories are not forgotten.
Embark on a Historical Journey
Take a trip back in time with Sacagawea! Explore local museums or historical sites to learn about her incredible journey. Many museums have exhibits dedicated to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Imagine yourself alongside Sacagawea, navigating unknown territories and making groundbreaking discoveries.
Plant a Garden, Sacagawea Style
Channel your inner botanist and plant a garden inspired by the plants Sacagawea would have encountered. Choose native plants or herbs that were essential to the Corps of Discovery. Gardening can be both fun and educational, giving a hands-on experience of history and nature.
Cook Up an Adventure
Get adventurous in the kitchen! Try cooking dishes inspired by the foods Sacagawea might have foraged. Look up recipes for dishes using native plants and berries. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also a delicious way to honor her knowledge of edible plants.
Read and Reflect
Grab a book about Sacagawea’s life and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Reading about her adventures and contributions provides a deeper understanding of her role. Reflect on how her bravery and skills changed the course of history. Share these stories with friends and family to spread the knowledge.
Take a Hike
Lace-up those hiking boots and hit the trails! Choose a local nature trail or park and imagine the landscapes Sacagawea would have traversed. Hiking is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate the vastness of the land she explored. Plus, it’s a healthy and invigorating way to celebrate the day.