Sacagawea Day

Sacagawea Day is observed annually on December 20. This historical observance honors the life and legacy of the Shoshone woman who played a critical role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It is a day to recognize her contributions not just as an interpreter, but as a symbol of peace and resilience whose presence helped ensure the success of one of the most significant journeys in American history.

History of Sacagawea Day

The date of December 20 was chosen to commemorate the day Sacagawea is believed to have died in 1812 at Fort Manuel in present-day South Dakota. While some oral traditions suggest she lived a long life among the Comanche and later returned to the Shoshone people, most historical records cite a journal entry by clerk John Luttig stating that “the wife of Charbonneau” died of putrid fever on this date. Regardless of the debate surrounding her death, the day serves as a formal acknowledgement of her vital work with the Corps of Discovery between 1804 and 1806.

Born around 1788 in the Lemhi River Valley of Idaho, Sacagawea was kidnapped by the Hidatsa tribe as a child and later sold to French-Canadian trapper Toussaint Charbonneau. When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark hired Charbonneau as an interpreter, they agreed to bring Sacagawea along because she spoke Shoshone—a language critical for negotiating for horses to cross the Rocky Mountains. Carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste, on her back, she traveled thousands of miles, proving herself indispensable when she saved crucial journals and supplies from a capsized boat and helped the expedition navigate interactions with indigenous tribes.

Why is Sacagawea Day important?

This day challenges the simplified narratives often taught in history books and highlights the complexity of Sacagawea’s contribution. She was not merely a guide who pointed the way; she was a diplomat and a skilled survivor. Her presence served as a token of peace, as war parties did not travel with women and children, which de-escalated tensions when the group encountered new tribes. Observing this day corrects the record by emphasizing her intelligence and resourcefulness rather than just her image on a golden dollar coin.

Furthermore, the holiday provides an opportunity to reflect on the broader history of Indigenous women in the United States. Sacagawea is the most memorialized woman in the U.S. with more statues dedicated to her than any other female figure, yet her actual voice is largely missing from historical texts. This day encourages a deeper look into the oral histories and cultural context of the Shoshone and Hidatsa people, ensuring that her story is understood from multiple perspectives rather than solely through the journals of the men she accompanied.

• It acknowledges the essential role of Native American knowledge in exploration.
• It honors the resilience of a young mother surviving harsh wilderness conditions.
• It highlights her specific skill in diplomacy and translation.
• It encourages the study of the Shoshone language and culture.
• It reminds us that history is shaped by diverse, often overlooked figures.

How to Observe Sacagawea Day

The most educational way to observe this day is to visit a site along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Many interpretive centers in states like North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho offer specific exhibits detailing her life and the challenges she faced. If travel is not possible, you can virtually explore these locations or read primary source documents, such as the expedition journals, to read the actual entries where Lewis and Clark describe her actions, including the famous incident where she saved their scientific instruments from the river.

You can also use this day to support Native American cultural initiatives. Look for books written by Indigenous authors that explore the era from a Native perspective, rather than relying solely on westernized accounts. Watching documentaries that feature Shoshone historians can provide a more nuanced understanding of her life before and after the expedition. Additionally, simply taking a moment to learn the correct pronunciation of her name (often debated, but historically significant) is a small but meaningful sign of respect.

• Visit a local museum featuring Native American history.
• Read excerpts from the journals of Lewis and Clark.
• Learn about the Lemhi Shoshone tribe’s modern history.
• Watch a documentary focusing on the Corps of Discovery.
• Discuss her contributions with children or students to keep her story alive.

Sacagawea Day Dates Table