Inspiring Ways Virginia Women Made History

As many of us already know, Virginia is steeped in American history, and its women have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's story. From pioneering suffragists to fearless aviators, there have been countless women who broke barriers, changed laws, and left legacies that continue to inspire. In case you need a reminder regarding just how awesome women are, here are some of the most inspiring ways Virginia women made history—and where you can walk in their footsteps today.

1. Maggie L. Walker

Maggie L. Walker wasn’t just a civil rights leader; she was also the first Black woman in the United States to charter a bank. A champion for financial independence, she encouraged Black women to achieve economic empowerment. Guests who want to learn more and pay respects can visit the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond, where her beautifully preserved home offers a glimpse into her remarkable life.

2. Bessie Coleman

Though Bessie Coleman wasn’t a Virginia native, her impact on aviation history was felt in the state when she became the first Black American and Native American woman to hold a pilot’s license. She performed breathtaking aerial stunts over Virginia, inspiring future female aviators. Visitors to the Virginia Air & Space Science Center in Hampton can learn about Coleman’s legacy alongside other groundbreaking aviators.

3. Elizabeth Van Lew

A Union spy in the heart of the Confederacy, Elizabeth Van Lew risked her life to provide crucial intelligence to the North during the Civil War. Her espionage activities helped the Union Army, and her story remains one of the most daring in Virginia history. Walk through Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, where Van Lew is buried, or visit the historic Church Hill neighborhood where she once lived. Her courage and commitment to justice make her a true Virginia heroine.

4. Barbara Johns

Before the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, a brave 16-year-old girl named Barbara Johns led a student strike in 1951 to demand better conditions at her segregated school in Farmville, Virginia. Her actions laid the groundwork for desegregation in public schools. Today, guests can visit the Robert Russa Moton Museum, located in her former school, to learn about her pivotal role in the civil rights movement. A statue of Barbara Johns also stands proudly in Richmond’s Capitol Square, a testament to her fearless leadership.

5. Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician, played a crucial role in NASA's early space missions. Born in West Virginia but making history in Virginia, Johnson's calculations of orbital mechanics were essential for sending astronauts safely into space and back. She was responsible for verifying the computer-generated calculations that helped John Glenn become the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962. Her meticulous work ensured the mission's success and her contributions continued through the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. In recognition of her achievements, NASA named a research facility in her honor, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of women in STEM.

Let's keep the learning going! Read all about the women of NASA's Johnson Space Center.