Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
Honoring Emma Gatewood: The Woman Who Defied Age and Odds To Complete The Appalachian Trail
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Gallia County Ohio native Emma Gatewood was the first woman to solo-hike the Appalachian Trail. Emma was also the first woman to complete the Appalachian Trail three times. Her life story is one of resiliency and determination. Emma Gatewood hiked the trail for the first time in the spring of 1955, only after being forced to turn back the previous year when her glasses broke. The last time that Emma Gatewood (Also frequently known as Grandma Gatewood) hiked the Appalachian Trail she was 76 and this was in 1964. Her life and dedication have served as a model for local citizens, as well as for women in general. As one of the first women to hike the trail and the first woman to hike it three times, she has served as role model future persons who undertook the effort. This presentation will present her life story. Emma Gatewood also hiked 2000 miles of the Oregon trail in the course of 95 days, averaging over 20 miles per day. Grandma Gatewood’s life story is one of hard times, perseverance, and dedication. She survived a brutal marriage that lasted over thirty years, and in the last portion of her life became one of the most popular female hikers in the country’s history. Emma Gatewood was a woman, who even when hard times arose refused to give up. Her hard work and dedication will forever serve as a role model for women, and hikers.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Steven Campbell, a junior from the University of Rio Grande Ohio is a lifelong Jackson County Ohio native. Steven's interests include local history, Ohio Appalachian history, and American history.
Honoring Emma Gatewood: The Woman Who Defied Age and Odds To Complete The Appalachian Trail
Gallia County Ohio native Emma Gatewood was the first woman to solo-hike the Appalachian Trail. Emma was also the first woman to complete the Appalachian Trail three times. Her life story is one of resiliency and determination. Emma Gatewood hiked the trail for the first time in the spring of 1955, only after being forced to turn back the previous year when her glasses broke. The last time that Emma Gatewood (Also frequently known as Grandma Gatewood) hiked the Appalachian Trail she was 76 and this was in 1964. Her life and dedication have served as a model for local citizens, as well as for women in general. As one of the first women to hike the trail and the first woman to hike it three times, she has served as role model future persons who undertook the effort. This presentation will present her life story. Emma Gatewood also hiked 2000 miles of the Oregon trail in the course of 95 days, averaging over 20 miles per day. Grandma Gatewood’s life story is one of hard times, perseverance, and dedication. She survived a brutal marriage that lasted over thirty years, and in the last portion of her life became one of the most popular female hikers in the country’s history. Emma Gatewood was a woman, who even when hard times arose refused to give up. Her hard work and dedication will forever serve as a role model for women, and hikers.
