List of American women's firsts
This is a list of American women's firsts, noting the first time that an American woman or women achieved a given historical feat. Inclusion on the list is reserved for achievements by American women that have significant historical impact. 17th century 1635 Anne Hutchinson was the first American woman to start a Protestant sect. 1640 Anne Bradstreet was the first published poet in the British North American colonies. 1647 Margaret Brent was the first American woman to demand the right to vote. 1649 Sarah White Norman and Mary Vincent Hammon were charged with "lewd behavior upon a bed." They are the first American women convicted of lesbian activity. 18th century 1700s Henrietta Johnston was the first known female portrait painter in the American colonies as well as the first woman pastelist. 1739 Elizabeth Timothy was the first woman to print a formal newspaper as well as the first female franchise holder in the colonies. 1750 Jane Colden was the first woman botanist in America. 1756 Lydia Taft was the first woman known to vote legally in Colonial America after her husband died and son left her; she was granted permission to vote through a Massachusetts town meeting. 1762 Ann Smith