This Day Utah's Revolutionary Senator (1868)
Nov 6, 2025
On November 6, 1868, Martha Hughes Cannon made history as the first female state senator in the U.S., defeating her husband in Utah. The hosts dive into her impressive journey from medicine to politics, illuminating the role of polygamy in Utah's politics and how it shaped women's rights. Cannon's activism and connections with suffragists like Susan B. Anthony are highlighted, along with her groundbreaking legislative efforts. Despite her significant accomplishments, the podcast explores why her legacy has faded over time.
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First Female State Senator
- Martha Hughes Cannon became the first female state senator in U.S. history representing Utah in 1896.
- Her election bundled suffrage, medical expertise, and the politics of polygamy into a singular breakthrough.
A Doctor Turned Legislator
- Martha earned four degrees by age 25 and trained as a physician despite institutional barriers.
- Her education positioned her to champion public-health and progressive reforms in office.
Frontier Politics Enabled Women's Power
- Frontier territories often expanded women's roles because survival required everyone to contribute.
- Utah's early enfranchisement reflected practical needs and different gender norms than the East.