Famous women firsts
Her 1767 historic first? Phillis Wheatley first African American published poet
Originally from this area of Africa, Wheatley rose from slavery to become a successful author, opening doors for both black and women writers. It wasn't an easy task; she had to prove her authorship in court and travel to London to get printed, since this bustling American city refused to publish her work. Phillis Wheatley first African American published poet, phillis wheatley list of works, phillis wheatley defend her literary ability in court, Phillis Wheatley slave,
Her 1849 historic first?
Blackwell was accepted to a New York college as a practical joke, but she went on to become a pioneer in the medical field despite formidable obstacles. Her moving story inspired a 1950s TV drama. Elizabeth Blackwell first female doctor in the united states, Geneva Medical College, Elizabeth Blackwell quaker, elizabeth blackwell admitted college as practical joke , elizabeth blackwell obstacles,
Her 1865 historic first? Mary Edwards Walker first woman to receive Medal of Honor,
During the Civil War, she became a prisoner of war after being captured behind enemy lines. She also became the first -- and only -- woman to receive this honor. Mary Edwards Walker farming family in Oswego, New York, mary edwards walker taken prisoner in 1864 by Confederate troops , medal of honor definition, +Mary Edwards Walker first woman U.S. Army surgeon,
Her 1872 historic first?
A controversial feminist, she ran for the top office under a newly formed party, even though women didn't yet have the right to vote. Her eccentric life included getting arrested just days before the election. Victoria Woodhull first woman to run for president, Victoria Woodhull spiritualist, victoria woodhull arrested days before election publishing an obscene newspaper, Victoria Woodhull controversial,
Her 1879 historic first?
This fearless attorney went from being a farmer's wife to getting an education, and becoming one of the first female lawyers to accomplish this feat. She participated in arguing in the case of Kaiser v Stickney. As if that wasn't enough, she ran for president -- twice. Belva Lockwood first female attorney argue a case before supreme court, Belva Lockwood 14 teaching elementary school, Belva Lockwood first female attorney argue a case before supreme court, Kaiser v. Stickney Belva Lockwood, belva lockwood two presidential campaigns, belva lockwood 4,100 votes,
First woman to win a Nobel Prize
This brilliant scientist shared the coveted prize with her husband for their work in this field, then went on to win another for her discoveries in chemistry, making her the first person to win in two fields. Her inspiring story was made into a biographical film, starring a talented 1940s actress. Marie Curie early life warsaw, marie curie nobel prize physics, marie curie nobel prize chemistry discovery of radium and polonium,
First woman to win a Pulitzer Prize
Her revealing novel about upper-class New York City residents netted her a distinguished honor. Wharton also wrote short stories, to both popular and critical acclaim. edith wharton wealthy New York family privileged class, edith wharton bibliography,
First woman to swim the English Channel
Even though the conditions were tricky, this Olympian swam an impressive 21 miles from France to England. Ederle set a world record, breaking the men's record by more than two hours. Gertrude Ederle daughter german immigrant butcher, gertrude ederle high winds 20-foot waves, gertrude ederle three olympic medals, gertrude ederle 14 hours 31 minutes,
First woman to fly solo over the Atlantic
This legendary aviator accomplished several flying feats, then disappeared in her attempt to fly around the world. A recent movie, starring this actress, details her extraordinary life. Amelia Earhart Kansas tomboy
First woman Cabinet member
This president believed in her abilities when he appointed her to a prestigious government post. Perkins proved more than capable and was instrumental in the development of the New Deal, the Social Security Act and child labor laws. frances perkins worcester, frances perkins child labor laws, social security act 1935,
First African-American female Wimbledon champion
Dubbed the "Jackie Robinson of tennis," Gibson broke race barriers when she bravely competed in a segregated sport. She not only took Wimbledon twice but also acquired 11 major titles and earned herself a ticker-tape parade, Althea Gibson harlem, Althea Gibson eleven major titles,
First African-American woman elected to Congress
Chisholm worked tirelessly in this congressional district before paving the way for future political hopefuls when she ran for president on the Democratic ticket, despite assassination attempts. Watch footage of some of her poignant speeches during her candidacy. Shirley Chisholm barbados, Shirley Chisholm pave way for obama clinton, shirley chisholm 152 votes,
First woman jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby
Although small, she could handle a horse as well as any man. Crump was the first woman to ride in a pari-mutuel race and also the first to ride in the famed Kentucky Derby with her horse Fathom. Diane Crump thoroughbred horse farm, diane crump 4'10'' 105 pounds,
First woman network news anchor
Breaking into a male-dominated field, Walters became well known for her one-on-one interviews with world leaders and celebrities. Her daytime talk show is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Barbara Walters nightclub,
First woman to climb Mount Everest
People tried to persuade her not to go, telling her that women couldn't climb the world's highest mountain, but Tabei showed them they were wrong. She also became the first woman to climb the world's seven highest peaks. Junko Tabei mt nasu teacher 10 years old, 7 highest peaks,
First woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500
Guthrie had the need for speed when she broke into a testosterone-charged world. Although she encountered problems at the Indy 500, she finished as the "Top Rookie" at the Daytona 500. Janet Guthrie florida school for girls, janet guthrie finished 29th with engine troubles, janet guthrie top rookie,
