Sacagawea Day

On Sacagawea Day, people come together to honor the brave and resilient woman born in 1788. Her contributions are immense and lasting, with memorials and statues across the United States dedicated to her legacy—a tribute supported by the National Women’s Organization.

History

Sacagawea was born near present-day Idaho and belonged to the Shoshone tribe of the Lemhi people. As a child, she was captured and later sold to a Canadian fur trader, who took her and another girl as his wives according to the customs of the time. In 1804, when members of the Mandan tribe met the fur trader, they invited him to join the Lewis and Clark Expedition as an interpreter—bringing Sacagawea with him. Having just given birth to a son, she took him along on the journey.

Sacagawea’s deep knowledge of local plants and fruits was invaluable to the expedition. She displayed remarkable courage, such as during a shipwreck, when she dove into the water to save essential supplies. Her bravery quickly became legendary. One pivotal moment was when the group encountered a tribe led by Sacagawea’s own brother, which secured crucial support for the explorers.

The details of Sacagawea’s death remain uncertain. Some sources say she returned to South Dakota, while others claim she died in her homeland. Regardless, Sacagawea endures as an enduring symbol of peace and diplomacy.

Interesting Facts

• Sacagawea was married at 13 to a man 20–30 years her senior.
• She was fluent in several languages.
• A river in modern-day Montana bears her name.
• Expedition members treated her as an equal.

How to Take Part

Learn more about Sacagawea’s life, filled with adventure and resilience. Visit memorial sites, seek out maps from her era, or watch a documentary about her role in American history. Honor her legacy by sharing her story.

When is Sacagawea Day in 2025?

Sacagawea Day is observed on December 20 each year.

Observations