Women’s History Month is celebrated throughout March in the UK and USA, presenting the perfect opportunity to commemorate some of the most influential females in world history. River cruises provide many opportunities to look into the past and learn more about a specific destination, and so why not follow in the footsteps of the great figures listed below?

Clara Barton

Clara Barton is most famous for the work she did during the American Civil War, working on the front line as a nurse and organising supply depots all over the country. When the conflict was over, she founded the American Red Cross, which still stands today as one of the world’s foremost disaster relief charities. During a Mississippi River cruise, you can learn what the conditions would have been like for Barton and everyone else involved in the war. On visits to Vicksburg and Natchez, expert guides will show you historic sights and bring stories of the period to life.

Clara Barton had a further impact on the Mississippi River region when, three years after the Civil War, she helped thousands of people during the Great Flood. As the Ohio River burst its banks and swept into the Mississippi, Barton and other volunteers travelled up and down the valley distributing funds and supplies to those in need.

Anne Frank

Most people will already know the story of Anne Frank and so there’s no denying how influential she has been throughout history. Standing as a symbol for defiance against fascism, Anne’s diary is one of the most read books in the world. It’s the most in-depth account of Nazi persecution we have and its moving words highlight the bravery of young girl desperately hoping to never be found.

During a Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam, take some time to visit the Anne Frank House. Renovated and expanded in 2018, the moving exhibits help you to understand what life would have been like in the small attic space and now feature a lot more background information.

Sacagawea

The Lewis and Clark Expedition helped to map much of the Pacific North-West, thanks to the dedication of Lewis, Clark and the Corps of Discovery. However, there was another key member of the team during this quest – Sacagawea. As a Lemhi Shoshone woman, she helped to forge relationships with other indigenous people in the region and acted as an interpreter. A lasting example of women’s worth and independence, she even gave birth during the expedition and is often depicted with her infant son on her back.

During Snake and Columbia River cruises, you can follow the route that Sacagawea took. Excursions will take you to places where the expedition camped (Fort Clatsop) and to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc is one of the many historical figures you can learn about during a Seine River cruise. After sailing from Paris, as you wind your way through the beautiful countryside of Normandy, you’ll reach the picturesque city of Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. As one of France’s greatest heroines, she bravely stood in defiance against the men of the French army to help them fight off the English.

Sadly, we all know how her story ended, but her legend has lived on throughout the generations since she was tried for witchcraft. You can still visit the tower where she was interrogated (the only remaining section of Rouen Castle) and there is a museum dedicated to her inside the Archbishop's Palace.

If you would like to learn more about these amazing women on a river cruise through Europe or American, speak to the team today. You can call us on 0800 954 0064 or contact us via the website.