Jeannette Rankin
Pioneering Women
Growing up on a ranch, she experienced women and men working side by side as equals.
She went to college and graduate school and campaigned for women’s right to vote at the state level. She then became a national lobbyist.
She ran for Congress as a Representative from Montana in 1916—and won. As the only congresswoman, she was the only woman voting to give women the right to vote!
She ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 1918, but later won a second term in the House.
I am deeply conscious of the responsibility resting upon me…
When her name was called the House cheered and rose, so that she had to rise and bow twice…
Observer of Jeannette Rankin being sworn in, 1917
"The Original Dove in Congress"
A pacifist, she did not believe war was a good way to solve conflicts. She was the only member of Congress to vote against U.S. involvement in both World Wars I and II. Her beliefs ended her political career in 1943.
When not serving in public office, she worked for peace and social change—especially for women and children.
In her late 80s she led a march on Washington to protest the Vietnam War. When she died, in her 90s, she was considering another run for the House to protest.
Never married, she left her estate to help “mature, unemployed women workers.”
I may be the first woman member of Congress…But I won’t be the last.