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In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we want to recognize events that have positively affected efforts for full equality of the sexes in the United States. We’ve come up with a list of significant locations throughout women’s history and where to stay in each one — enjoy!
Rochester, New York
Rochester’s most notable contribution to women’s history was being the home of suffrage leader Susan B. Anthony. While she was the most recognizable figure of the women’s rights movement, she lived and fought her fight from the offices located inside her house on Madison Street. Nowadays, the house is a museum dedicated to keeping her mission relevant. For a cozy stay, we recommend the B&B at The Edward Harris House Inn in the Arts and Culture district of the New York town.
Savannah, Georgia
In 1912 Juliette Gordon Low, a former sickly and accident-prone child, decided to shake her past and form a girl’s group dedicated to community activism and spending time outdoors. That group later became Girl Scouts of America. While there are some who argue the Girls/Boy Scouts are outdated because of their gender segregation, it is undeniable that the Girl Scouts was a progressive and influential endeavor at the time of its founding. Former alumni include advocates for women’s rights including Lucille Ball, Hillary Clinton, and Gloria Steinem. Consider a stay at Stayloom’s Palatial Artisan Duplex in historic Savannah, also close to Flannery O’Connor’s childhood home.
Atchison, Kansas
Atchison, Kansas may not be on many people’s radar but for aviation enthusiasts and those rehearsed in women’s history, it’s known as the birthplace of Amelia Earhart. Today, Earhart’s childhood home has transformed into a museum dedicated to her impact on flight and successful attempts of shattering gender norms. Although located closer to the more popular Lawrence, Kansas, this Countryside Weekend Getaway is a great place to stay with access to Atchison.
Montgomery, Alabama
Now known by many powerful nicknames like “The First Lady of Civil Rights” and “The Mother of the Freedom Movement”, Rosa Parks took her first stand against injustice in 1955 by refusing to sit at the back of the bus. Her willingness to accept the consequences of her actions inspired the black community to boycott the bus system in Montgomery for over a year. The Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa is the premier luxury destination for those planning a stay in the Alabama capital.
Houston, Texas
On September 20, 1973, sexism suffered its largest defeat on a sporting stage. Called “The Battle of the Sexes”, 29-year-old tennis star Billie Jean King defeated former Wimbledon champion Bobby Riggs in straight sets. Hardly a light-hearted affair, Riggs was often outspoken about his view that female athletes were inferior and defeating them would be easy even at 55 — that is until King proved him wrong. To this day Billy Jean King remains an advocate for social equality. While the Houston Astrodome no longer exists, a trip to Houston is always welcome and spending the night at Houston favorite, Hotel Granduca Houston, is a rewarding experience for anyone seeking a romantic hotel or premier amenities.
Merritt Island, Florida
Merritt Island makes the list for being the location of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. On June 18th, 1983, the space shuttle mission STS-7 launched into orbit carrying astronaut Sally Ride, making her the first American woman in space. Ride spent six days orbiting the Earth and afterwards, her trip continued to make significant contributions to the progression of space exploration. Although Ride kept much of her personal life quiet, after losing her battle to cancer in 2012, it was revealed that Ride was a lesbian and has since been adopted as a source of extreme pride for the LGBTQ community. This serene waterfront home is an example of the good life available on Merritt Island.
Laramie, Wyoming
Some people would point to Laramie and say, “that’s where it all began.” In 1869, the then-called Wyoming Territory passed a bill that granted women equal political rights. A year later in 1870, five female residents of Laramie became the first women in the world to serve on a jury, while later that year another woman became the first to cast a legal vote in a United States general election. As for an accommodation recommendation, we like the aptly-named Laramie Cowgirls B&B, a comfortable glamping experience in Wyoming.