Women’s Suffrage: Places to Explore the Road to Equality Gabby Teaman November 30, 2024 Arts & History, Interests The right to vote is an opportunity that no one should take for granted. The passing of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in 1920 guaranteed the right of women to vote in the United States. The movement is widely regarded as one of the most significant mobilization efforts in American history, spanning years of hard work. The passing of the crucial amendment resulted in the single biggest increase in voting turnout ever. Throughout U.S. history, women’s suffrage advocates fought for the right to vote against tremendous opposition. Today, you can explore their journey and legacy across several historic destinations. Here are some of the most significant stops where you’ll dive into the past, reliving their struggles and triumphs firsthand. Seneca Falls, New York Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Seneca Falls, New York by Ken Lund licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 Step into Seneca Falls, New York, where the American women’s suffrage movement found its voice. Start at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and enter the Wesleyan Chapel, where Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others held the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention, igniting the push for equal rights. (Bear in mind that it would be 72 years before those efforts came to fruition.) As you walk through the chapel, listen to recordings of speeches and view original artifacts that set the stage for this revolutionary gathering. Each July, Convention Days brings the town alive with reenactments, speeches, and panel discussions that let you relive the first convention, surrounded by others eager to honor the legacy of suffrage pioneers. Across the canal, make your way to the National Women’s Hall of Fame. This museum celebrates female trailblazers and features exhibits dedicated to Stanton, Alice Paul, Susan B. Anthony, and others who helped move women’s suffrage forward. Here, you can explore interactive exhibits, watch video interviews, and see displays of rare documents, such as letters exchanged between activists. Rochester, New York Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass chatting by David Fulmer licensed under CC by 2.0 Just an hour away from Seneca Falls, Rochester celebrates Susan B. Anthony, one of the most recognized figures in the women’s suffrage movement. The Susan B. Anthony House & Museum at 17 Madison Street served as the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association and was the very place where she was arrested for voting in 1872. Today, you can take guided tours through her home, where knowledgeable guides lead you through Anthony’s life, activism, and historic arrest. The house also displays her personal items, writings, and mementos from her relentless pursuit of justice. Continue your journey at Mount Hope Cemetery, Anthony’s final resting place. Every Election Day, visitors leave “I Voted” stickers on her gravestone to honor her legacy. Walking through this 196-acre cemetery, you’ll also come across the grave of Frederick Douglass, who joined Anthony in advocating for equality. The cemetery hosts regular tours, during which you’ll learn about both activists’ contributions to suffrage, abolition, and civil rights. Rochester’s annual Susan B. Anthony Birthday Celebration in February is an inspiring event that attracts visitors from across the country to honor Anthony’s legacy with lectures, performances, and exhibits. Washington, D.C. Alice Paul statue, Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument by Lorie Shaull licensed under CC by 2.0 Washington, D.C. offers numerous sites central to the suffrage movement. Begin at the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument, named for activist Alva Belmont and National Woman’s Party founder Alice Paul. This historic building served as the National Woman’s Party headquarters. Paul strategized protests, parades, and public demonstrations there as well. While you’re on the tour, you’ll encounter the original banners from the suffrage marches and letters exchanged between Paul and other activists, documenting their plans to gain support for women’s rights. Across the river in Lorton, Virginia, stop at the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial, which honors the women imprisoned after their picketing for voting rights. A statue of Alice Paul stands tall here, celebrating her role in pushing the 19th Amendment forward. The site’s pathways, walls, and plaques offer insights into each phase of the movement, and the memorial’s storytelling panels walk you through suffragists’ experiences as they were jailed and mistreated, turning public sympathy toward the cause. Combine this trip with a visit to the National Portrait Gallery in D.C., where portraits of suffragists bring the faces of the movement to life. Boston, Massachusetts Massachusetts State House Boston’s rich history extends to women’s suffrage with the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail, where you’ll follow the footsteps of suffrage leaders like Julia Ward Howe. Start at the Boston Women’s Memorial on Commonwealth Avenue, where statues honor Abigail Adams, Lucy Stone, and other well-known women who each advocated fiercely for gender equality. The memorial trail has several paths, including the “Road to the Vote” trail, which guides you through sites linked to suffrage. If you scan the QR codes on some of the statues, you can even hear recreations of the women talking about their lives. At the Massachusetts State House, you’ll walk through halls that witnessed suffrage rallies, legislative debates, and pivotal votes on women’s rights. The State House is located just across from Boston Common, and its golden dome offers an inspiring view. The building’s guided tours share details of suffragists’ fiery speeches and public campaigns. Boston also holds annual events and walking tours celebrating the anniversary of the 19th Amendment. You’ll hear stories from knowledgeable local historians who make the past feel vividly present. Nashville, Tennessee Nashville played a critical role in the final push for women’s suffrage. The critical vote that finally ratified the 19th Amendment took place in this very city. Head to the Tennessee State Museum, where exhibits detail Tennessee’s moment as the last state to ratify the 19th Amendment, securing its place in the Constitution. Known as the “Perfect 36,” the Tennessee vote made history, and in the museum you’ll find displays showing the political drama behind that final, crucial decision. Check out the museum’s collection of suffrage banners, personal letters, and photos capturing the suspense as activists awaited the state’s pivotal vote. Next, stroll over to The Hermitage Hotel, which served as the lobbying ground where pro- and anti-suffrage activists gathered in 1920. This historic “War of the Roses” saw the hotel’s lobby and rooms transformed into centers of intense negotiation, ultimately leading to Tennessee’s ratification, which granted women nationwide the right to vote. Today, you can explore the hotel’s grand architecture, take guided historical tours, and enjoy high tea, all while appreciating its connection to this pivotal moment in American history. Cheyenne, Wyoming Wyoming State Capitol Wyoming proudly holds the title of the first U.S. territory to grant women the right to vote, dating back to 1869. In Cheyenne, explore the Wyoming State Capitol, which has hosted critical votes and discussions surrounding suffrage. Take a tour through its impressive chambers, where guides share insights into Wyoming’s trailblazing suffrage laws and the women who shaped them. Next, The Cheyenne Suffragette Trail winds through historic sites where you’ll see plaques and murals celebrating Wyoming’s early adoption of women’s rights. Stops include the Historic Governors’ Mansion, which celebrates notable women, including Nellie Tayloe Ross, the first female governor in the United States. Interpretive plaques along the trail provide insights into the lives and contributions of the women and lawmakers who fought for equality, including Esther Hobart Morris, a suffrage advocate who became one of the first female justices of the peace. As you walk the trail, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Wyoming set the stage for women’s rights nationwide. Related: Up, Up…and Above Adversity! The Trailblazing African-American Women of Aviation Salt Lake City, Utah Utah Capitol Interestingly enough, the women in Salt Lake City, Utah were among the first to vote under an equal suffrage law in 1870. To explore this history, start at Council Hall, where a statue commemorates Seraph Young, the first American woman to vote. Here, you’ll learn more about her story and how Utah’s suffrage movement played a critical role in advancing women’s rights nationwide. Take a self-guided tour to learn about Utah’s suffrage advocates who challenged and redefined their roles in society. The bronze chairs in the memorial are replicas of the chairs in which the 19th Amendment was written and debated. Before you go, stop by the Utah Women’s Mural downtown. The mural celebrates 250 women’s contributions to the state’s history, including suffragettes. Each portrait is set against a colorful backdrop symbolizing their contributions, with plaques providing insight into their lives and achievements. Located along a popular walking route, the mural has become a meaningful spot for reflection and learning. FAQs: Q: During which time of year should I visit these historical sites? A: Late spring through early fall is ideal for visiting most of these sites, as many hold outdoor exhibits, guided tours, and seasonal events. Summer can be busy, so early fall is a great time for fewer crowds and mild weather. Q: Are there admission fees for the suffrage sites mentioned? A: Admission varies. Many national historical sites and monuments are free, but some museums may charge a small entry fee. Always check the specific site’s website for updated ticket information. Q: How much time should I allocate to each site? A: Plan at least 1-2 hours per site for a thorough visit, but larger places like the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument may need 2-3 hours. Q: Are these sites family-friendly? A: Yes, most sites offer family-friendly exhibits and guided tours suitable for all ages. Some museums even have interactive displays for kids. It’s a great way to introduce children to the history of women’s rights. Q: Can I find guided tours at these sites? A: Most locations offer regular guided tours or audio tours. Some sites, like Seneca Falls and Boston, host special tours during annual events. Did we leave any important women’s suffrage destinations off our list? Let us know in the comments!
