Sarah Winnemucca, the City of Winnemucca’s namesake, was recently honored at the United States Capitol, with the unveiling of a statue in her memory. The Sarah Winnemucca Statue joined the statue of former United States Senator Patrick A. McCarran in National Statuary Hall, as the two statues contributed by the Silver State. During the unveiling ceremony, United States Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, paid tribute to the accomplishments and legacy of Sarah Winnemucca.

"Sarah Winnemucca is Nevada’s second statue here in the Capitol,” said Senator Reid. “Our other statue - Senator McCarran - has been here for 45 years, which I believe marks the first time Sarah Winnemucca ever came in second to anyone. Sarah’s life story is a story of firsts. She was the first female Native American to write a book. She set up one of the first Native American schools in Nevada. And she was one of the first individuals to navigate the cultures of Native Americans and Whites - adept enough to hold an audience with the President of the United States and return to her roots to teach Paiute children,” said Reid. “As this statue takes its permanent place, I’m proud that Sarah is the newest face of Nevada in Washington, and that as a state, we have helped ensure her legacy lives on for generations to come.”

"Placing the statue of Sarah Winnemucca in the esteemed Statuary Hall is a wonderful way for us to honor all Nevada women,” said Senator Ensign. “Sarah’s passion for helping people and her commitment to peace are attributes that many women in Nevada’s past and present have shared.”