Legacy of Women Initiative: Recognizing Women’s Historical Contributions
In August 2020, we launched our Legacy of Women Initiative to honor women’s historical contributions in state parks, historic sites and other public spaces. August 2020 also marked the the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment which granted women the right to vote. The initiative launched with landmark events in Missouri honoring two women.
Park renamingS to honor WOmen
On August 15, the Nathan Boone State Historic Site in Ash Grove, Mo., was renamed to include Olive Boone, Nathan’s wife. Olive Boone managed a farm and household with 14 children at a time when women had no legal rights. She is buried near the cabin at the site now aptly named the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site.
Read more about Olive Boone here.
In 2019, United WE also worked with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to rename Van Meter State Park to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park.
The renamed historic site now bears Olive Boone’s name in addition to her husband’s.
Hall of Famous Missourians Induction: Annie White Baxter
On August 26, Women’s Equality Day, Anna “Annie” White Baxter was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians in the state Capitol. As the first woman elected to public office in Missouri in 1890 and the first female county clerk in the United States, Anna “Annie” White Baxter oversaw elections in a time before she had the right to vote. A native of Carthage, Mo., Baxter also served as state registrar of lands from 1908–1916 and as financial secretary of the Missouri Constitutional Convention in 1922.
Baxter is the ninth woman honored in the Hall of Famous Missourians. Sculptor Spencer Schubert created the bust of Baxter.
A replica bust was created for Carthage, Mo., thanks to generous Missourians from Baxter’s home county. Thank you to Sharon Beshore, Harry Cornell, Jr., Clerk Charlie Davis, Sharon and Clerk Davis, and Dr. Ellen Nichols for your support.
Read more about Annie White Baxter here.
