Among the most famous women in early American history, Pocahontas is credited with helping the struggling English settlers survive.

Considered one of the earliest American feminists, Anne Hutchinson was a spiritual leader in colonial Massachusetts who challenged male authority.

Undeterred by deafness and blindness, Helen Keller rose to become a major 20th century humanitarian, educator and writer.

Female labor activist “Mother Jones” was a self-proclaimed “hell-raiser”.

Julia Ward Howe was a writer, lecturer, abolitionist and suffragist.

Rachel Carson catalyzed the global environmental movement with her 1962 book Silent Spring.

Carrie Chapman Catt was a suffragist and peace activist who helped secure for American women the right to vote

Ruby Bridges was only six years old when she became the first African American to attend her elementary school.

Clara Barton was an educator, humanitarian, and founder of the American Red Cross.

Isabella “Belle” Boyd was was one of the most famous female Confederate spies, hailed by some as the “Cleopatra of Secession.”

Mary McLeod Bethune was one of the most important Black educators, civil and women’s rights leaders and government officials of the twentieth century.

Penelope Barker was the organizer of the Edenton Tea Party, one of the first recorded women’s political demonstrations in America, in which she led fifty women to sign a statement boycotting British imports in support of the Patriot cause.

Abigail Adams was an early advocate for women’s education and political engagement, making women’s needs visible to the Founding Fathers and asking that they “remember the ladies” in their new laws.

Catharine Esther Beecher was a nineteenth century teacher and writer who promoted equal access to education for women.