In the Spotlight: Jeanette Rankin

Jeanette Rankin was the first woman and first republican woman elected to Congress. Jeanette was born June 11, 1880 near Missoula in the Montana Territory, nine years before Montana became a state. She graduated from the University of Montana in 1902, with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

Jeanette Rankin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1916. She served one term and was elected again in 1940.

Rankin was a suffragist. She organized and lobbied for legislation. Jeanette Rankin also introduced legislation that would become the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote.

As of today, Jeanette Rankin is still the only woman ever elected to Congress from Montana.