Historic Hood River
Sacajawea
10-30-2018
Notes
What happened in the past may be immutable fact, but what we call history is largely an interpretation through the lens of the current generation. The story of Sacajawea has been reinterpreted continuously for over 200 years. Here’s the Department of Highways version from 1940, as captured for our enlightenment by Alva Day.
Buzz
Every member of the Lewis and Clark expedition would have had a different story or vision of Sacajawea. But we do know for sure that calling her a squaw today would be politically incorrect.
TBird
And that’s not the only awkward phrase. "Enduring uncomplainingly"? Whew, what a mouthful.
Charlott
Yes and interesting life, but her son was the one I find so interesting. "Pom" lived with Clark back east and Clark gave him a very fine education. In fact during the Mexican War he was a scout for the United States. He was fluent in French, English, German and naturally Shoshone his mother’s language.
Sacajawea also had a daughter named Lizette, but nothing is known of her after she was about 3 years old.
Kenn
Any idea where this sign existed? Roads other than interstates still have interesting historical signs but I do not remember this one.
Arthur
ODOT tells me they have never been called "Department of Highways." Washington state did have a "Department of Highways" at some point. Or maybe Alva Day was traveling east on the trail.
L.E.
There is Sacajawea State Park at Pasco, WA where the Snake enters the Columbia. It was established in 1931.
Could that possibly be the location of the sign?
Longshot
The name US Department of Transportation only dates back into the sixties. The Department of Highways may have been an early predecessor.
L.E.
Thinking about the comment, "most dramatic female figure in the history of the northwest", I have to somewhat disagree. Madame Marie Dorian, interpreter for the Hunt Overland Party was also an amazing woman in early northwest history.
Pat A
Washington department of highway logo at the top.
Possibly older than 1940’s.
A stone monument was placed in Sacajawea State Park in Pasco in 1927 it stands today.
So L.E. Is probably correct.