A winning plan: Carrie Chapman Catt’s crusade to get women the vote

Abstract

One of Iowa State’s most esteemed women graduates was Carrie Lane Chapman Catt. Catt entered what was then the Iowa Agricultural College in 1877 and completed a bachelor’s degree in general science in 1880, the only woman in her graduating class. During her years at Iowa State, Catt established military drills for women and became the first female student to give an oration before a debating society. She helped organize the Ladies Military Company G (standing for Girls); the group was later divided into two companies, G and L (for Ladies). Catt served as a library assistant and was a member of Pi Beta Phi fraternity. Following graduation, Catt returned to her childhood home near Charles City, Iowa, to work as a law clerk, and, in nearby Mason City as a school teacher and principal. In 1883, she became one of the first women to hold the position as school superintendent.