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Friday, Aug. 16 marks the 104th anniversary of women securing the right to vote in the United States, a milestone achieved through the ratification of the 19th Amendment – and with a little help from Elgin.
Elgin’s New Century Club, established in 1897, was a pivotal local organization in the fight for women’s suffrage, according to local historian and author Sydna Arbuckle.
Research by Arbuckle indicates that by 1918, the club had not only created a downtown park and the city’s first library, but its membership had also become an advocate for women’s political and social participation, including the push for voting rights.
Nationally, women’s suffrage efforts were gaining momentum with similar clubs, but Texas Gov. James E. Ferguson opposed the movement, according to historical records.
After his impeachment in 1917, Lt. Gov. William P. Hobby, a supporter of women’s rights, took office and proposed an amendment to the Texas Constitution to grant women the right to vote.
The proposal passed the Legislature without dissent, but was rejected by voters in a statewide election held on May 24, 1919.
Results from Elgin and Bastrop County showed mixed support, as seen in the Woman Suffrage Vote 1919 box.
Despite this defeat, the 19th Amendment passed Congress on June 4, 1919, and required ratification by two-thirds of the state legislatures.
Hobby promptly convened a special session of the Legislature, which ratified the amendment on June 25.
Texas became the ninth state to approve the amendment, showing significant progress despite the earlier setback.
The necessary number of states had ratified the 19th Amendment by August 16, 1920, securing women’s right to vote across the nation.
This historic achievement highlighted the critical role of local organizations, like Elgin’s, and state legislatures in advancing women’s suffrage, according to Arbuckle. The legacy of the New Century Club and other local advocates underscores the importance of grassroots activism in shaping democratic participation and ensuring equal rights for all.
