This was no flimsy veil that was lifted off the Sacajawea sculpture in Darby’s newest pocket park last week. The bronze sculpture was entirely wrapped in an authentic buffalo robe. It took the crew from Trapper Creek Job Corps with some help from the Darby Elementary School Leadership Team to lift the heavy thing off the bronze sculpture. Corps of Discovery re-enactors Millie and Ed Wood from Stevensville were also on hand to pay tribute.
A bronze sculpture of Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman who guided and interpreted for the Corps of Discovery, was dedicated last Friday at the Sacajawea Rest Pocket Park n Darby.
Ted Hall, Darby resident and author of the “Trail Between Two Rivers” and “Lost Path,” who was a key player in initiating the purchase of the bronze sculpture, spoke a few words at the dedication ceremony held last Friday.
He said a lot of people don’t realize that the Darby area is the only place on the entire Lewis and Clark Trail in which the Corps of Discovery passed by twice on their journey. The first time on September 7, 1805 on their way to the Pacific and the second time on July 4, 1806 on their return journey.
“So I’m hoping that the young kids here can take this message back to their school and be proud of their history and be more aware of our history because it’s important that we acknowledge the success of the Corps of Discovery. They are true heroes to the United States of America.”
Several “dignitaries,” mostly politicians and candidates, congratulated the community for its efforts in honoring Sacajawea and in beautifying their town. Sacajawea dollars were handed out as souvenirs.