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Sunday, July 19, 2026

"ALL MEN AND WOMEN ARE CREATED EQUAL"

FIRST WOMEN'S RIGHTS CONVENTION HELD AT SENECA FALLS

Seneca Falls, New York (JFK+50) On July 19, 1848, the first women's rights convention ever held in the United States opened here in Seneca Falls*.  About 200 women were in attendance for the opening session.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton**, one of the organizers of the convention with Lucretia Mott, read a 'Declaration of Sentiments and Grievance.'  The declaration began with these words...

"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men and women are created equal."

*Seneca Falls, New York is located an hour west of Syracuse & is the birthplace of the American women's rights movement.  It is home of the Women's Rights National Historic Park & the National Women's Hall of Fame.

SF became a hotbed for social and religious reform including abolition of slavery before the Civil War.  The 1st women's rights convention was held at Wesleyan Chapel on Fall Street. 

**Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) was born in Johnstown, New York & became leader of the Women's Rights Movement in the U.S. in the 19th century.  ECS was president of the National Women's Suffrage Association. 

*JFK+50 NOTE

Men were not allowed to attend the opening day's events, but were permitted the second day.  Of 40 males attending, abolitionist Frederick Douglass was the most well-known.

SOURCES

"History of Seneca Falls," Town of Seneca Falls, www.senecafalls.gov/

"Women's Rights Convention Begins At Seneca Falls, July 19, 1848," JFK+50, July 19,2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/

 
 
Portrait Monument
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott
& Susan B. Anthony
U.S. Capitol Rotunda
Photo by DawesDigital (2014)