First Female Presidential Candidate
Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to run for the U.S. presidency in 1872, nearly 50 years before women's suffrage. Her campaign was ahead of its time, advocating for women's rights and labor reforms.
Wall Street's Female Broker
Before her political endeavors, Woodhull, alongside her sister, Tennessee Claflin, became the first female stockbrokers on Wall Street in 1870, challenging the male-dominated finance industry.
Spiritualism and Social Reform
Woodhull was a proponent of spiritualism. She claimed to receive guidance from spirits for her activism, including her work for women's suffrage and labor rights.
Free Love Advocate
Controversially, Woodhull promoted the concept of 'free love,' the freedom to marry, divorce, and bear children without government interference, which was radical for the Victorian era.
Woodhull's Scandalous Newspaper
She established 'Woodhull & Claflin's Weekly' with her sister, where they published various progressive ideas. The newspaper famously exposed a sex scandal involving a prominent minister.
Imprisonment and Election Day
On the eve of the 1872 election, Woodhull was arrested for obscenity due to the content in her newspaper. She spent Election Day in jail.
Later Life and Legacy
After her political pursuits, Woodhull moved to England, continuing her advocacy work. She remains a symbol of perseverance in the face of societal and legal challenges for women's rights.Secret White House Visit
In 1871, Woodhull secretly met President Grant to discuss suffrage, a groundbreaking moment unrecorded in official logs.
Who was first female U.S. presidential candidate?
Susan B. Anthony
Victoria Woodhull
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
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