Wyoming Territory made history on December 10, 1869, when it became the first U.S. territory or state to grant women the right to vote. This groundbreaking legislation allowed women over 21 to vote, own property, and hold public office, placing them on equal footing with men12. The law passed through the Democratic legislature with little controversy and was quickly signed by Republican Governor John A. Campbell3. While some supported it as a matter of justice, others saw it as a way to attract more women to the sparsely populated territory or as a publicity stunt3. Regardless of the motivations, this progressive act set Wyoming apart as a leader in women's rights, paving the way for Louisa Ann Swain's historic vote in 1870 and earning the territory the nickname "The Equality State"12.

On the morning of September 6, 1870, 69-year-old Louisa Swain arose early and walked downtown in Laramie, Wyoming Territory. Accounts differ on her exact movements that day - some say she was on her way to purchase yeast or groceries when she passed by the polling place.12 What is known for certain is that Swain entered the polling place and cast her ballot, becoming the first woman to legally vote in a general election in the United States since 1807.13 Judge M.C. Brown, Laramie's first mayor, personally witnessed Swain voting and later corroborated the story.4 A Laramie newspaper described Swain as "a gentle white-haired housewife, Quakerish in appearance".2 Her historic vote took place just 30 minutes before that of Augusta C. Howe, the 27-year-old wife of U.S. Marshall Church Howe.24 Swain's ballot was the first of 93 cast by women in Wyoming that day.2

Louisa Ann Swain's historic vote in 1870 had far-reaching significance and impact on the women's suffrage movement in the United States. Her act of casting a ballot nearly 50 years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment demonstrated the practical implementation of Wyoming's progressive voting laws and served as a powerful example for other territories and states12. Swain's vote inspired suffragists across the nation, who began to consider the possibility of achieving women's suffrage through state-by-state legislation rather than solely pursuing a federal amendment3. This groundbreaking event in Laramie helped pave the way for other western states to follow Wyoming's lead, with Colorado, Utah, and Idaho granting women full suffrage by the end of the 19th century4. Swain's vote not only marked a milestone in American democracy but also highlighted Wyoming's commitment to equality, solidifying its reputation as "The Equality State" and setting a precedent for women's political participation nationwide56.

While Louisa Ann Swain's vote in Wyoming in 1870 was a groundbreaking moment for women's suffrage, it's important to place it in the broader context of the movement. Earlier that same year, women in Utah Territory had voted in a municipal election, though this was later revoked by federal anti-polygamy laws.1 Additionally, New Jersey had allowed certain women the right to vote from 1776 to 1807, when the state constitution referred to voters as "they" and statutes passed in 1790 and 1797 used "he or she" language. However, this right was stripped away in 1807 and limited to white men.23 Wyoming's significance lies in being the first place to permanently grant women full equal suffrage in 1869. When Wyoming achieved statehood in 1890, it became the first state to enter the Union with women's suffrage already in place, enshrining this right in its state constitution.45