The Last Mile: The History of Women’s Suffrage in Huntington West Virginia
Document Type
Panel Presentation
Keywords
gender, politics, suffrage
Biography
I am a History Graduate student researching how the First World War affected the woman suffrage movement in West Virginia. Though my research I seek to expand our understanding of the woman suffrage movement in West Virginia by expanding upon works that have been written and examining new evidence and historical questions. In doing so I hope to show the role that West Virginia and its suffrage movement had in the national story of woman suffrage.
Major
History
Advisor for this project
Dr. Rensenbrink
Abstract
This paper examines the history of the woman suffrage movement in Huntington, West Virginia from 1867-1920. West Virginia’s woman suffrage efforts have received little historical coverage and is ignored entirely in the historiography of Southern states’ suffrage legislation. Examining the Huntington chapter, its leaders, and activities helps fill this gap, and allows comparison with regional and national efforts and activities. Woman suffrage amendments to West Virginia’s constitution were proposed, the first in 1867. Huntington residents first openly debated the issue of woman suffrage in 1870 but would not create a dedication suffrage club until 1915. In 1916 the Yost suffrage amendment gained overwhelming support in the state legislature but was defeated by referendum. In response, the West Virginia Equal Suffrage Association, and thus its Huntington chapter, altered its strategy by campaigning for a federal amendment instead of another state amendment.
The Last Mile: The History of Women’s Suffrage in Huntington West Virginia
This paper examines the history of the woman suffrage movement in Huntington, West Virginia from 1867-1920. West Virginia’s woman suffrage efforts have received little historical coverage and is ignored entirely in the historiography of Southern states’ suffrage legislation. Examining the Huntington chapter, its leaders, and activities helps fill this gap, and allows comparison with regional and national efforts and activities. Woman suffrage amendments to West Virginia’s constitution were proposed, the first in 1867. Huntington residents first openly debated the issue of woman suffrage in 1870 but would not create a dedication suffrage club until 1915. In 1916 the Yost suffrage amendment gained overwhelming support in the state legislature but was defeated by referendum. In response, the West Virginia Equal Suffrage Association, and thus its Huntington chapter, altered its strategy by campaigning for a federal amendment instead of another state amendment.
