CAROLINE BURNHAM KILGORE 1838-1909
Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Kilgore was the first woman admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania courts. A trailblazer, she fought for 16 years for the right to attend law school, the right to take the bar examination, and the right to practice in state courts. An active suffragist, she also had a medical degree. She lived near here in her later years.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Caroline Burnham Kilgore refused to accept that the courtroom was closed to women, waging a sixteen-year campaign for the right to study law, sit for the bar, and argue before Pennsylvania's courts. She finally broke through to become the first woman admitted to practice law in the state's courts, and she held a medical degree besides. An active suffragist, she spent her later years near this Delaware County spot.
Why it matters
Kilgore's long fight opened the legal profession to women in Pennsylvania, part of the broader push that let women claim a place in America's courts and public life.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer10.8 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall11.0 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia11.0 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall11.0 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center11.0 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Hill-Physick House11.0 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
Attractions
- American Bandstand8.0 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo9.3 mi away
- Commandant's Quarters9.4 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge9.4 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir9.7 mi away
- Rocky Steps9.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden10.8 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily10.8 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon10.8 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe10.8 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory10.8 mi away
- Maya's Pizza & Grill10.8 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City10.3 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City10.3 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites10.3 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express10.4 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn10.4 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City10.4 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Caroline Burnham Kilgore
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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