History of Jeannette Rankin

The woman and the legacy

“I may be the first woman member of Congress, but I won’t be the last.”

— Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973)

Jeannette Rankin was born in Montana on June 11, 1880. While many are familiar with the suffragist’s political history and her votes for peace during both world wars, there is much more to Jeannette’s story. A woman of great conviction and courage, Jeannette observed life at the turn of the last century with a deep sense of empathy for the women, children and families who lived in poverty and without legal protections. Her early experiences as a social worker and activist inspired her to take direct action for a more just society. Ultimately, her commitment to humanity and equality helped shape our democracy and continues to make a tangible impact.

Jeannette’s long, bold life

1880
Jeannette Rankin is born in Missoula County, Montana, the oldest of 7.
Portrait of the Rankin family circa 1895. Front Row, Left to Right: John, Mary, Edna, Grace, Wellington, Olive. Back Row, Left to Right: Jeannette, Harriet, Philena (photograph). Montana Historical Society
1913
Jeannette graduates from the University of Montana; works as a social worker in San Francisco, Spokane and Seattle; attends the New York School of Philanthropy and joins the suffrage movement.

Jeannette Rankin in the science lab at the University of Montana, Missoula. Mansfield Library, Archives & Special Collections/University of Montana-Missoula

1914
Jeannette leads the Montana suffrage movement. Montana becomes the 10th state to grant women the right to vote.

Jeannette Rankin pictured in 1917. Library of Congress

1916
Montana elects Jeannette to the U.S. House of Representatives. She becomes the first U.S. Congresswoman and the first woman to serve in federal office.

Newspapers around the country covered Jeannette’s successful election.

1917
Jeannette votes against the U.S. entering World War I.

Jeannette was one of 50 members of Congress who voted against entry into the First World War. Library of Congress

1919
Jeannette is the only woman to vote on the resolution for the 19th Amendment granting women across the nation the right to vote when ratified by the states in 1920.

Jeannette’s vote for the 19th Amendment helped give 26 million American women the right to right before the 1920 presidential election. Library of Congress

1940
Montana elects Jeannette for a second term in the U.S. Congress.

A lifelong pacifist, Jeannette campaigned on a platform of peace. (Pictured circa 1932) Everett Collection

1941
Jeannette votes against entering World War II.

Jeannette was the only member of Congress to vote against entry into World War II. Library of Congress

1946
Inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Jeannette travels to India, the first of seven trips to India and many other adventures around the world.

Jeannette in Giza, Egypt. Montana Historical Society

1968
At the age of 87, Jeannette leads the Jeannette Rankin Brigade, marching with 5,000 women in Washington D.C. calling for the end of the Vietnam War.

The Jeanette Rankin Brigade marches in protest of the Vietnam War. Jeanette (wearing glasses) stands holding the banner at the center. Bettmann

Read more about the Jeannette Rankin Brigade.

1973
Jeannette passes away at 92 after dedicating her life to world peace and the well-being of women and children. She bequests the proceeds of her Georgia estate to help “mature, unemployed women workers.”

Jeannette circa 1970. Jeannette provided the seed money and the inspiration for the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. Montana Historical Society

1976
A group of Athens, Georgia activists dedicate funds from Jeannette’s estate to create the Jeannette Rankin Foundation and award their first scholarship of $500 in 1978.

Jeannette at her home in Bogart, Georgia, outside of Athens, circa 1927. Montana Historical Society

Download Jeannette Rankin’s Story

Learn more about Jeannette’s story by downloading the PDF of the short biography written by Dorothy Sams Newland, admirer of Jeannette Rankin and longtime leader and supporter of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation.

Download Jeannette Rankin’s Story

Other books written about Jeannette:

  • Jeannette Rankin, America’s Conscience by Norma Smith

  • Jeannette Rankin America’s First Congresswoman by Peter Aronson

  • Jeannette Rankin: Bright Star in the Big Sky by Mary Barmeyer O’Brien

  • Jeannette Rankin: A Political Woman by James J. Lopach and Jean A. Luckowski

  • Jeannette Rankin on the Road by Cody Dodge Ewert

  • Jeannette Rankin: Political Pioneer by Gretchen Woelfle

  • ONE WOMAN AGAINST WAR: The Jeannette Rankin Story by Kevin S. Giles