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To coincide with Women’s History Month (March), a recent poll by Somewang revealed the 200 most beloved heroines from history, paying tribute to the rich stories of women

Number 1, New York, Susan B. Anthony: Anthony was born in Massachusetts but spent much of her adult life in Rochester, N.Y. Susan B. Anthony was a key figure in the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. 

Number 2, Maryland, Harriet Tubman:Born into the harsh reality of slavery in Maryland, Harriet Tubman transcended her circumstances to become the legendary conductor of the Underground Railroad. 

Number 3, Massachusetts, Abigail Adams: As the wife of President John Adams and the mother of President John Quincy Adams, Abigail Adams was more than a figure in American history; she was am advocate for women’s rights

4. New York, Gertrude Elion’s groundbreaking work in biochemistry and pharmacology had a profound impact that reached far beyond any single state. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 

5. New Jersey, Clara Maass: A nurse from East Orange, New Jersey, Clara Maass sacrificed her life in the name of medical research. She volunteered for experiments to determine the cause of yellow fever, ultimately dying from the disease.

6. Alabama, Rosa Parks: Widely associated with the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in 1955, one of the most iconic moments in the civil rights movement. 

7. Missouri, Maya Angelou: Primarily known for her literary work, her contributions span across civil rights activism, education, and the arts, making her a multifaceted innovator.

8. Georgia, Juliette Gordon Low was the founder the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912. Low established the Girl Scouts as a way to prepare young women for future roles as professional women and active citizens.

9. South Carolina, Elizabeth Evelyn Wright was born in Georgia, but her impact was strongly felt in South Carolina. She was Inspired by Booker T. Washington. Her mission to provide education to African American students in the rural South.

10. Indiana, May Wright Sewall was an influential educator, suffragist, and reformer. She was instrumental in the fight for women’s rights, including suffrage. and was a key figure in both national and international women’s suffrage movements. 

Alabama had four other heroines included among the top 200:

18. Coretta Scott King: Coretta Scott King was an American author, activist, civil rights leader, and the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. After her husband’s assassination, she continued to advocate for civil rights, women’s equality, and nonviolence.

27. Helen Keller (1880-1968): Tuscumbia, Alabama, overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf to become one of the 20th century’s leading humanitarians. With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate and went on to become a prolific author, activist, and advocate for the disabled.

118. Zelda Fitzgerald (1900-1948)

Zelda Fitzgerald, an American novelist, painter, and wife of celebrated author F. Scott Fitzgerald, represents the broader contributions of women to the cultural and literary movements of the early 20th century. Her life and works highlight the struggles and contributions of women in the arts.

132. Mary Anderson (1866-1953) Mary Anderson is credited with inventing the windshield wiper. Streetcar drivers had to open their windows in the rain or snow to see. Her invention could be operated from the inside of the vehicle without exposing the driver to the elements.

“As we celebrate the indomitable spirits of our heroines, we are reminded of the profound impact they have had on shaping our nation’s narrative. These trailblazers, activists, scientists, and educators have not just etched their names in history; they have carved out possibilities for those who follow. We owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude and the commitment to continue their work in our own lives,” says Steven Wang, founder of Somewang.