Who's your favorite Founding Mother?

The first American feminist, and a true equal of her statesman husband. Remember the ladies!

John should've listened to his wife!

I was shocked to read that he thought women superior overall to men! That's a pretty ballsy statement to make in the 18th century. Even this 21st century male couldn't bring himself to say that, although I do believe that a woman is every bit my equal.

but now I'm intrigued! I'm not into superiority theories one way or the other; but it's pretty fascinating that he'd view women that way, considering the fact that women were held in such low esteem in his time.

I'll have to put Mr. McCullough's book on my list. Thanks for the tip!

Add McCullough's bio of Truman, too. I first read it when I was 12, and I gained a new and real appreciation for Harry Truman that I hadn't before. McCullough is absolutely a brilliant writer.

There's a good page or two in the Adams bio that discusses his time in France and his admiration and appreciation of outspoken, intelligent Frenchwomen whom he engaged in conversation with. It's overall just a great read.

Wow! That she's even on the list! And I love Abigail's spunk, too. "A rebellion of the petticoats..." :-)

I even wrote a song about her. I was pretty bored of course

We're all ears!

Are you listening, George?

He's got no respect for his elders.

...mother and daughter. Burr's wife Theodosia was a study in perseverence. Unbelievable story. She held onto her lands throughout the Revolutionary War, while married to a British officer. She even volunteered her home as headquarters to Washington, while her husband was fighting the Revolutionary Army. In the end, she saved her family estate. The story she went through during that period is complex, and is a lesson in Revolutionary history in itself. After her husband had died, she married Burr. Her and Burr's daughter, Theodosia, was not only one of the most educated women of her time, but was also one of the most educated persons of America at the time, and very current in attitudes. No longer remembered, she was one of the sought after society persons of her day. Both are fascinating women, and much unexplored in American history, but were very known in their day. As known as many listed above.

Is there a book that goes into the details? The common view of the Revolution is that it was a war between people who didn't live here and those who did.

The lives of those whose families were divided by the conflict have been overlooked for the most part.

...http://www.thehermitage.org/prevosts_text.html It goes into detail about the contortions she had to go through to keep it during the Revolutionary War. Its a great piece of history, that I'm sure was probably going on all over America. As you said, an unexplored chapter of our history. As for a general overview, I would highly suggest Gore Vidal's "Burr" which is an historical novel that touches on much of this. Also, you can google Theodosia's name on the internet, and get all kinds of papers and articles on the topic.

:-)

but, I would go for Susan B. Anthony!!

but I was thinking about a generation or so earlier.

When American women's history is discussed, it usually begins with Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, etc...those who spoke out for women's rights and abolition simultaneously. But women are virtually ignored during the Colonial Period, the American Revolution, and United States in its infancy.

because she is of a generation or two AFTER most of the women on your list. Wasn't previously aware that Abigail Adams was such a champion of the women's cause...will have to look more into that.

And you are right about American women's history pretty much starting with Susan B and Sojorner...this is just how it is taught.

At any rate, off the top of my head, before I even looked at your poll, it was Susan B in my book. Now that I have read some other posts here, I will have to look more into Abigail Adams.

and all the Mothers of Invention
:-)

-- in your poll, but can I vote for Sacajawea, the Native American woman who served as guide and translator for the Lewis and Clark expedition?

This is a great poll to get the first week of Women's History Month rolling.

Thanks for doing it.

It's my understanding that throughout the journey, Sacajawea's uncomplaining countenance helped the company keep depression at bay in the face of hardship. This fact was noted by all the men who kept journals. Her one complaint was voiced before they started to make their journey back east. She had wanted to see the ocean, and had heard stories about a huge "fish" (whale) that had washed ashore which she also wanted to see.

Clark took a small party, including Sacajawea and her husband to see the Pacific and what remained of the whale.

I believe Clark adopted one of her children after the expedition. I'm not sure about that. I know he was less than thrilled with her fur-trapping husband, who was evidently alcoholic and abusive.

From what I've read of her, a fascinating woman at the beginnings of the country.

She apparently kept her wits about her when the British burned Washington in 1814, and managed to save some of our national treasures (like Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington) from being destroyed.