Here Are The 11 Most Powerful Ohio Women Of All Time

Ohio has been home to many influential women who have left significant legacies in various fields.

From writing award-winning, moving novels to serving as key movers and shakers in the women's suffrage movement, Ohio has seen its fair share of powerful women. The following are some of Ohio's most influential women, leaving legacies, landmarks and historical buildings throughout the state---and although they weren't all were born in Ohio, they certainly made their mark in Ohio.

1. Harriet Beecher Stowe

Author of the award-winning, best seller "Uncle Tom's Cabin," Harriet Beecher Stowe opened the world's eyes to the realities of slavery. Although she was born (and died) in Hartford, Connecticut, she lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for a notable amount of time. Cincinnati is where she formed the basis of her book, after hearing stories from slaves and Underground Railroad conductors.

2. Annie Oakley

Drake County is proud of its own Annie Oakley, the world famous markswomen from Ohio who could shoot a dime tossed in midair at 90 ft. Annie Oakley was born in Patterson Township and died in Greenville, where her statuary tribute stands today.

3. Eliza Bryant

Although she was born in North Carolina, this influential African American moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she founded The Cleveland Home for Aged Colored People, a residential facility for elderly black people.

4. Lucy Ware Webb Hayes

Wife of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, Lucy was the first First Lady to be called "First Lady" and the first presidential wife to have a college degree. She was born in Chillicothe, Ohio and died in Fremont, Ohio.

5. Florence Harding

Wife of the United States' 29th President, Warren Harding, Florence was the first presidential wife able to vote for her husband. She was also a driving force behind his newspaper and took charge of the circulation department.

6. Belle Sherwin

This influential lady was President of the League of Women Voters, a social reformer and well-known Cleveland suffragist.

7. Victoria Woodhull

Born in Licking County, Victoria Woodhull was an influential leader of the woman's suffrage movement and the first woman to run for President.

8. Toni Morrison

Ohio is proud to call Morrison one of its own. This truly inspiring novelist, editor and professor is from Lorain, Ohio. She is most known for her Pulitzer Prize novel, "Beloved. "

9. Macy Gray

Her singing career has taught Ohioans about more than life, love and lessons learned—she’s taught us soul. This Grammy award-winning artist was born in Canton, Ohio.

10. Maya Lin

Designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. at age 21, this well-known artist and designer is from Athens, Ohio.

11. Halle Berry

Ohioans have Cleveland to thank for this Academy Award-winning, lovely lady and former fashion model beauty queen

What do you think of these inspirational women? What other powerful women has Ohio been graced with over the years?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories