Welcome to Brainstuff, a production of iHeart Radio, Hey brain Stuff Lauren Boglebaum. Here. The United States continues to lag in terms of the representation of women in government. As of June, we ranked eighty one out of a hundred and ninety three countries. But one perhaps unlikely town became
known for unprecedented progressiveness a century ago. Jackson, Wyoming, in May of nineteen twenty, yes, three months before the nineteenth Amendment nationally recognized women's right to even vote, an all female ticket nicknamed the Petticoat Rulers established order in this wild West town. Wyoming was ahead of its time in terms of women's suffrage. Back in eighteen sixty nine, it had been the first territory or state in the Union to pass a law guaranteeing women the right to vote.
We spoke via email with Morgan Albertson Yawen, executive director of the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum. She said, this may be a bit dramatic, but I often say that Jackson could have very easily faded into the landscape in the early twentieth century if not for these women. This was a rugged place and incredibly difficult to settle. While Jackson had a strong community where everyone helped each other out, there was very little emphasis on government and
civic responsibility. It may be tough to believe that an all female government could have ruled a small town in early twenties century America, when sexism still remains a major barrier in modern politics. But on May eleven, nineteen twenty, Jackson elected Grace Miller as mayor and Rose Crabtree made Alone, Faustinia Height, and Genevieve von Vleck as council members. The five women claimed victory over an all male roster, and Crabtree even beat out her husband, Henry for the position.
This landmark win was no accident either. The election drew the most voters the town had seen at that point, and in many cases the women dominated their male opponents by margin of two to one. While towns in Kansas and Utah had already elected all female town councils in eight eight and nineteen twelve, respectively, this election was a major turning point. Ye Owen said. The all women town council of nineteen twenty stepped up and shaped the town
into the place we know and love today. They graded the streets, they expanded electrical service and installed street lamps. They established the first town cemetery, and built the town's budget to be able to continue serving community members. According to a nine article from The Delineator magazine, there's only two hundred dollars in town coffers when the women took office due to uncollected fines and taxes. As the article states, they went out personally and collected every cent due to
the town from those who ignored the notices. Before the end of a fortnight, there was two thousand dollars in the treasury. Things didn't necessarily all start out with a flash and bang, though, Yeowen said a funny story. I had always heard the all women town council had formalized the town square, and until recently I assumed that meant
creating the park like square we see today. But what it actually meant was that these councilmen, as they called themselves, an official town documents simply prohibited the grazing of cattle on the town square. You have to start somewhere. As for what inspired the women to affect lasting change, Yeawan says their methods and motives were rather simple. She quoted Mayor Grace Miller from an interview Ino, We simply tried to work together. We put into practice the same prifty
principles we exercise in our own homes. We wanted a clean, well kept, progressive town in which to raise our families. What is good government but a breathing space for good citizenship. While the so called Petticoat rulers successfully established a lasting legacy, Yawn cautions that celebrating their history simply isn't enough. She said, the story of the all women town Council is incredible and certainly something to celebrate and be proud of for
the town. Jackson Hole has many stories of powerful women, and generally our history is one of inclusivity, adaptability, and ingenuity. Everyone had to pull their weight and be open minded in order to survive. However, it's still important to look at the big picture and use history as something to learn from and not just celebrate. Jackson did not see another woman in an elected position until the nineteen eighties.
The all woman town council was necessary and successful, but unfortunately did not create a new normal, and Jackson was not immune to the times. But it is exciting and encouraging to see more diversity in our local government, including women in all levels of elected positions. The women of nineteen twenties still serve as encouraging role models for anyone in Wyoming. A visit to the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum can offer plenty of additional insights into the
legend of these women of the wild West. The museum houses a number of historical documents and photographs of the women and information about their time in office, as well as Mayor Grace Miller's side saddle and the black coach he can be seen wearing in most photos. They also have a number of exhibits online and you can do further research through their stand Class and Research Center. Today's episode was written by Michelle Konstantinovski and produced by Tyler Clang.
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