Wyoming’s ReMARKable Woman

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - Wyoming has a long history of some amazing people. On Monday, a plaque was placed to honor a remarkable woman.

With her determination and vision, she helped change the world, one state at a time.

Aug. 8 marks the 209th birthday of Esther Hobart Morris, considered to be the mother of women’s suffrage; Hobart Morris made Wyoming her home.

Involving herself heavily in Wyoming politics, she pushed for the vote for women, which was established in Wyoming before being recognized years later, nationally by the 19th amendment.

Esther Hobart Morris was the first female national justice of the peace in the U.S.

“She obviously lobbied legislators to become, to advocate for herself and other women in her position and advocate for the right to vote. "

Hobart Morris lived in this local Cheyenne house in the shadow of the state capitol from the 1880s until 1902.

Bought and owned for her by her son, since women did not have the right to own property, she lived her till be passing.

“We thought this was an appropriate place to place this marker. To hopefully bring some interest and opportunity to learn some more about Women’s Suffrage, in particularly this woman, who had such a big impact on women’s rights in Wyoming.”

The Pomeroy Foundation places these markers in co-operation with the National Votes for Women’s Trail.

This program offers grants for 250 markers throughout the United States, marking historic locations involving the Women’s Suffrage Movement.

This is the first marker of its kind in Wyoming.

“We’re very fortunate to live in a state where women’s importance and the rights of women have been recognized long before they were recognized by the nation. I just encourage all of the women here in Wyoming to spend some time learning about these important historical figures that have paved the way for us.”

Wyoming name’s sake, of the “Equality State,” comes from the efforts of women like Hobart Morris. She strove to make a better, more equal state for everyone.

For more information on the Pomeroy Foundation Map or the National Votes for Women’s Trail.