Freedom: Women's Rights - Blackstone River Valley

Founding Mother Abigail Adams’ often quoted plea, “Remember the ladies”, marks a sentiment expressed by many women through US history. Denied the right to vote, own property, serve on a jury, and often to marry against her father’s will, even the most affluent, well-educated woman had few rights. While there were notable exceptions—Uxbridge, MA resident Lydia Chapin Taft is anecdotally said to have voted as a landowner in a 1756 town meeting—most women had little say in government. Not until the passing of the 19th amendment in 1920 could women across the country vote in a federal election.

Images shown: Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution (National Archives)
Portrait of Abigail Adams by Gilbert Stuart (National Gallery of Art)