J.M. NORTHUP

First Woman Elected To American Congress

Jeanette Rankin was a remarkable woman who fought for woman’s suffrage. Then, in 1916, when most women still didn’t have the right to vote, Jeanette became one of two members of the U.S. House of Representatives for Montana. She served two terms (during WWI and WWII) as a Republican, known for being a women‘s rights and civil rights advocate as well as a pacificist, who opposed war. She even helped employees in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to get standard 8-hour work days with better working conditions and pay.

“I may be the first woman member of Congress, but I won’t be the last.”

— Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973)