Cora Smith Eaton

Cora Smith Eaton

Cora Smith Eaton (1867–1939) was an American physician, mountaineer, and suffragist. She was one of the first women to graduate from the University of North Dakota and later became a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Cora Smith Eaton was born in 1867 in Wisconsin. She moved with her family to North Dakota where she attended the University of North Dakota. Eaton was among the first women to graduate from the university, earning her degree in 1889. She later pursued a medical degree and became a licensed physician.

Medical Career

After completing her medical education, Eaton practiced medicine in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She specialized in women's health and was known for her dedication to her patients. Eaton was also involved in various medical organizations and contributed to the advancement of women's roles in the medical field.

Mountaineering

Eaton was an avid mountaineer and a member of the Mazamas, a mountaineering organization based in Portland, Oregon. She participated in several significant climbs, including the first ascent of Mount Hood by a woman. Her passion for mountaineering was well-documented, and she often combined her love for the outdoors with her advocacy for women's rights.

Suffrage Movement

Cora Smith Eaton was a dedicated suffragist and played a crucial role in the women's suffrage movement. She was an active member of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and worked closely with prominent suffragists such as Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt. Eaton organized rallies, gave speeches, and wrote articles advocating for women's right to vote.

In 1916, Eaton was part of the "Suffrage Special," a train tour organized by NAWSA to promote women's suffrage across the western United States. The tour was instrumental in garnering support for the suffrage movement and ultimately contributed to the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920.

Later Life and Legacy

After the success of the suffrage movement, Eaton continued to be active in social and political causes. She remained a prominent figure in the medical community and continued her advocacy for women's rights. Eaton passed away in 1939, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to both medicine and the fight for gender equality.

See Also

• Women's suffrage in the United States
• Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution
• National American Woman Suffrage Association
• Mount Hood
• University of North Dakota