Women's History in the National Parks

This historic site served as the location of a protestant mission founded in 1836 by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. Their wagon was the first to make it as far west as Fort Boise and Narcissa was one of the first white women to cross the Rocky Mountains. The Whitmans often encountered trouble with native tribes and in 1847, they were killed - now referred to as the Whitman Massacre. Today, visitors can visit the original mission site as well as a mass grave where the Whitmans are buried.

Located in Seneca, NY, this park commemorates the first Women's Rights Convention and early leaders of the women's rights movement. The park includes the home of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the leader of the women's rights movement; the Wesleyan Chapel, which hosted the First Women's Rights Convention; Declaration Park; the M'Clintock House, where the Declaration of Sentiments was written; and much more.

Herma Baggley was one of many who fell in love with Yellowstone. She served the National Park Service as the first permanent female park naturalist in Wyoming. In 1936, she co-authored Plants of Yellowstone National Park, a guide still used today. She passed away in 1981 but is considered a pioneer in botany, education, and helped establish animals and nature trails in the park.