News

USA Today – Montana Proud – She was elected to Congress before women had the right to vote, blazing a trail that continues today

March 4, 2023/

Jeannette Rankin

Before the 19th Amendment guaranteed the right of women to vote, a suffragist social worker from Montana was sworn in on March 4, 1917, as the first woman elected to the United States Congress.

The lifelong pacifist Jeannette Rankin, who campaigned for social and electoral reform, was sworn in on the same Sunday that President Woodrow Wilson took his second oath of office.

“I may be the first woman member of Congress,” Rankin said in 1917. “But I won’t be the last.”

 

Camille Fine

USA TODAY


Click here to read the story.

Related Stories

  1. How Religious Schools Became a Billion-Dollar Drain on Public Education
  2. Does your library host a Repair Cafe?

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

MATR Sponsor (view all)


The Missoula Chamber of Commerce advances the quality of life in Missoula by advocating for a healthy, responsible & diverse business environment & by providing resources that help businesses succeed. Contact Sharon Morren, Director of Membership, [email protected] to join.

MATR Supporters (view all)


Make Your Future in the College of Business

The Great Falls Development Alliance delivers aggressive, award-winning economic development support for business attraction, expansion, and retention.

Working closely with GFDA’s economic development team, HPF helps Montana businesses access the capital they need to expand, modernize, and strengthen local communities.