Welcome to the Wisconsin State Historical Marker 273, dedicated to the remarkable Carrie Chapman Catt. Born as Carrie Clinton Lane on January 9, 1859, in Ripon, Wisconsin, Catt was a pioneering leader in the women’s suffrage movement. Her early years were spent in Ripon, where she developed an interest in science and initially aspired to become a doctor. However, her path led her to become one of the most influential figures in the fight for women’s voting rights in the United States.
Carrie Chapman Catt’s determination and leadership were instrumental in the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote in 1920. She served as the president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association twice, from 1900 to 1904 and again from 1915 to 1920. Her strategic planning and relentless campaigning were pivotal in convincing Congress and state legislatures to ratify the amendment.
In 1920, Catt founded the League of Women Voters, an organization designed to help newly enfranchised women exercise their voting rights responsibly. Her influence extended beyond national borders as she also established the International Woman Suffrage Alliance in 1904, advocating for women’s rights globally.
The historical marker here in Ripon commemorates not only Catt’s significant contributions to women’s suffrage but also her early life in this community. It stands as a reminder of her legacy and the progress made in the fight for gender equality.
As you stand here, imagine the young Carrie in her formative years, already showcasing the determination and resilience that would later define her incredible career. Her journey from Ripon to becoming a national and international leader in women’s rights is a story of perseverance and vision.
