Inez Milholland

As we look back on the history of major social changes in our country, we have the ability to see the full picture. Based on history books and knowledge that was impressed upon us since an early age, we know the end result of these events. I can personally admit that I take many of these end results for granted. As a women, I have basic rights that women a century ago had no access to, however I do not often contemplate how difficult it must have been to live in the midst of these uncertain times. Most of us have heard of some of the well known women’s rights activists such as Mary Walker, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, however there were many more women who are often forgotten, and played just as crucial of a role in our country’s fight for women’s rights. Inez Milholland, a New York native, is among these women that we have to thank for our basic rights.

Milholland was born in New York in 1886, but spent much of her childhood in London where she attended the Kensington High School for girls, a nondenominational private school “most noted for its freedom from class distinction” (“Inez Milholland” 5). Historians believe that this may have influenced her later efforts to create class equality. Milholland decided to attend Vassar in Poughkeepsie New York, where she quickly became a well known and involved student. During a summer trip to London, Milholland met Emmeline Pankhurst, a member of the Women’s Social and Political Union, an experience which made Milholland intent on bringing women’s suffrage to Vassar’s campus. Unfortunately Vassar’s president considered the subject “propaganda” and forbid discussion of suffrage on the campus. Milholland did not let this opposition stifle her desire to improve women’s equality, and promptly organized a meeting in a small cemetery adjacent to the college. After she graduated, Millholland participated in a series of public events, the first of which took place during a New York campaign parade for President Taft. As the president walked by, she spoke through a window, beginning her reputation as a “powerful, persuasive and beautiful orator” (Inez Milholland” 10). Milholland’s life tragically ended early when she collapsed at a stage rally in Los Angeles, and died shortly after. 

Milholland’s connection to the Adirondacks was not officially realized until after her death. After the adoption of the 20th amendment, the National Women’s Party held a conference at Meadowmount, followed by a pageant in the meadows below Mount Discovery, a peak in the Adirondacks. Inez’s connection to this amendment was emphasized by her sister, who rode a white horse as Inez had similarly done in her suffrage rallies. As a tribute to this brave women, Mount Discovery was renamed Mount Inez in memorial. I personally find it inspiring that there is now some meaning behind the name of this peak. Milholland’s role will always be remembered.

Sources:

Hall, Anthony F. "The Last Campaign of Inez Milholland." Adirondack Almanack. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. <http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2015/03/the-last-campaign-of-inez-milholland.html>.

"Inez Milholland." Vassar Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. <https://vcencyclopedia.vassar.edu/alumni/inez-milholland.html>.