The Economic Times

In 1778, Polly Cooper traveled 186 miles with an Oneida delegation to bring white corn to George Washington's starving troops at Valley Forge. 248 years later, the woman preserved mainly through oral tradition is honored on the 2026 American $1 coin

Polly Cooper Native American $1 coin: Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman, is honored on a 2026 dollar coin for her aid. She traveled with warriors to deliver corn to Washington's hungry army. Cooper taught soldiers how to prepare the vital food supply. Her story survived through oral tradition, not colonial records. This recognition highlights the Oneida people's significant historical alliance.