Emma Guy Cromwell, KY Political Pioneer
Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
Emma Guy Cromwell (1865-1952). The first woman in Kentucky elected to statewide office, Cromwell was elected sec. of state in 1923. She held many political positions during a long career. Chosen state librarian in 1896 by legislature; was elected treasurer in 1927. Served as dir. of state parks, dir. of archives & state librarian. (Reverse) A political pioneer, Cromwell encouraged women to follow her in “bla[ing] a trail for a new day for women when they can stand side by side with men in governing our great country.” She called Simpson, Allen, and Warren counties “home” but lived her adult life in Frankfort, where she died, July 19,1952.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Emma Guy Cromwell broke ground for women in Kentucky government across a long career, serving as state librarian, treasurer, director of state parks, and director of archives. In 1923 she became the first woman in the state ever elected to a statewide office when she won the post of secretary of state. She urged other women to "blaze a trail for a new day" and stand alongside men in governing the country, and she lived out her life in Frankfort, dying there in 1952.
Why it matters
Cromwell's elections came in the first years after women won the vote, making her a living example of how quickly American women moved from the ballot box into elected leadership.
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