48 Different “First” Photos Throughout the History of Photography

Jeannette Rankin may not be a household name, but maybe she should be. On November 7, 1916, Rankin became the first woman elected to office in the U.S. Rankin was a Republican from Montana who served for one term in 1916 and then another in 1940. To this day, she remains the only elected Congresswoman from Montana. Woah. 

Rankin was a lifelong pacifist and participated in the suffragette movement. In an ironic twist of historical fate, Rankin ran for office and was elected before most women were granted the right to vote with the 19th Amendment. While in office during her 1916 term, she introduced legislation that eventually turned into the 19th Amendment.