The First U.S. Women's Rights Convention – July 19, 1848
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal.”
– Declaration of Sentiments, 1848
On July 19, 1848, a defining moment in American history took place in the small town of Seneca Falls, New York. It was here that the first U.S. Women’s Rights Convention was held—an extraordinary and courageous event that would ignite the women’s suffrage movement and set the stage for generations of advocacy, reform, and progress.
The Women Behind the Movement
The convention was organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, two women deeply committed to the causes of equality and justice. Both had been denied full participation at an anti-slavery convention in London years earlier, an experience that fueled their passion for women's rights.
Together, they brought together like-minded women—and supportive men—to address the many injustices faced by women in 19th-century America.
What Happened at Seneca Falls
Over the course of two days, attendees gathered at the Wesleyan Chapel to discuss a wide range of issues, including women's legal rights, education, employment, property ownership, and—most controversially at the time—the right to vote.
The centerpiece of the convention was the presentation of the Declaration of Sentiments, a powerful document modeled after the Declaration of Independence. It boldly stated that women are entitled to the same rights and freedoms as men, and it outlined 18 grievances and demands for equality.
A Historic Turning Point
Around 300 people attended the convention, including Frederick Douglass, a former slave and prominent abolitionist who spoke passionately in support of women's suffrage. In the end, 100 people signed the Declaration of Sentiments—68 women and 32 men—marking the beginning of an organized campaign for women’s rights in the United States.
The Legacy Lives On
Though change did not happen overnight, the Seneca Falls Convention laid the foundation for decades of activism. It inspired future leaders like Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and many others who continued the fight for equality.
Seventy-two years later, in 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote—a hard-won victory built on the courage and conviction that began in Seneca Falls.
Why It Matters Today
Remembering the events of July 19, 1848, reminds us of the power of speaking out, organizing, and standing up for what’s right. It’s a reminder that progress often begins with just a few voices who dare to imagine a better, fairer world.
So today, we honor the women and men who gathered in that chapel, and we carry forward the spirit of equality, justice, and inclusion they so bravely began.
