JANUARY 10: TODAY'S INSPIRING WOMEN

Miriam Ferguson

In 1925, Miriam (Ma) Ferguson was sworn in as Texas governor. She was the second woman governor in the United States and the first to win in her own right.

National woman's Party

In 1917, National Woman's Party picketers appeared in front of the White House holding two banners. One said: "Mr. President, What Will You Do For Woman Suffrage?" and the other asked, "How Long Must Women Wait For Liberty?"

Deeper Dive

Daily picketing began on January 10, 1917. During that year, more than 1,000 women from across the country joined the picket line outside the White House. Between June and November, 218 protesters from 26 states were arrested and charged with “obstr… — Daily picketing began on January 10, 1917. During that year, more than 1,000 women from across the country joined the picket line outside the White House. Between June and November, 218 protesters from 26 states were arrested and charged with “obstructing sidewalk traffic.” Of those arrested, 97 spent time in either the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia or in the District of Columbia jail. Initially, protesters stood silently, holding placards inscribed with relatively tame messages such as “Mr. President, what will you do for Woman Suffrage?” and “How Long Must Women Wait for Liberty?” President Wilson maintained decorum, greeting the protesters with a tip of the hat as he rode, his wife at his side, through the White House gates. (source: Library of Congress)