Eight Women Two Model Ts And The American West (Women In The West)

A Journey Through Time and Trails

In the early 20th century, as the American frontier was rapidly changing, a remarkable group of women embarked on an extraordinary journey that would forever leave its mark on the history of the West. These eight intrepid women, armed with Model T automobiles and an unyielding spirit, set out to explore and document the vast wilderness and diverse cultures of the American West.

The Pioneers

The eight women, known as the "Auto Girls," were all from prominent families in the Midwest. They included:

• Clara Coleman: A physician and suffragist from Aurora, Illinois.
• Genevieve Eagelson: A musician and writer from Kansas City, Missouri.
• Ruth Elder: A journalist and photographer from Arkansas City, Kansas.
• Sarah Frances "Fannie" Horn: A teacher and writer from Kansas City, Missouri.
• Lorna Linton: A writer and editor from Omaha, Nebraska.
• *Mary Louise Simeon: A botanist and naturalist from Denver, Colorado.
• Dorothy Thompson: A journalist and author from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Caroline Treadway: A physician and surgeon from Denver, Colorado.

The Expedition

In the summer of 1916, the Auto Girls set out from Denver in two Model T Fords, which they dubbed "Susan B." and "Anthony," after the famous suffragettes Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Their journey took them across some 10,000 miles of rugged terrain, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast.

Eight Women, Two Model Ts, and the American West (Women in the West)

by Joanne Wilke

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1731 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	198 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	292 pages
Item Weight	:	1.29 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.69 x 9.21 inches

FREE

Along the way, they encountered a wide range of people and cultures, from Native Americans to ranchers to miners. They faced numerous challenges, including mechanical breakdowns, inclement weather, and skepticism from those they met. But they persevered, driven by their passion for exploration and their determination to prove that women were capable of anything men were.

The Legacy

The Auto Girls' expedition was a groundbreaking achievement. They were the first women to drive automobiles across the American West, and they documented their experiences in vivid detail through photographs, articles, and books. Their work helped to change perceptions of women's roles in society and inspired countless others to embrace their own dreams of adventure.

In recognition of their contributions, the Auto Girls were inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1995. Their Model T "Susan B." is now on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Reflections on the Women Who Shaped the West

The story of the Auto Girls is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women throughout history. It is a reminder that women have always been at the forefront of exploration and innovation, and that they have played a vital role in shaping the American West.

Here are some reflections on the legacy of the Auto Girls:

• Their journey was a testament to the power of female friendship. The Auto Girls supported and encouraged each other throughout their expedition, proving that women can accomplish great things when they work together.
• Their expedition helped to pave the way for future generations of women. By proving that women were capable of exploring and documenting the West, the Auto Girls inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps.
• Their legacy is one of courage, determination, and adventure. The Auto Girls' story continues to inspire women and men alike to embrace their own dreams and to never give up on their goals.

Eight Women, Two Model Ts, and the American West (Women in the West)

by Joanne Wilke

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1731 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	198 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	292 pages
Item Weight	:	1.29 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.69 x 9.21 inches

FREE