Oregon's First Woman Governor

March is Women’s History Month. Caralyn (Carrie) B. Shelton, was the Nation’s first female Governor, who served right here in Oregon in 1909. She stepped into this role after Governor Chamberlain resigned and before Governor Benson could be sworn in. This was three years before Oregon women even had the right to vote! It took another 11 years for women nationwide to finally earn the same right with the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

In response to being asked by the Capitol Journal on February 27, 1909 about how she felt about taking on the job - she was quoted in the saying: “I want to fill the governor’s shoes, and he really has a small foot, [but]I fear the principal trouble will be in trying to fill his hat.”

To learn more and to see a photograph of Carolyn, please visit The Willamette Heritage Centers digital exhibit documenting her life.

*This episode is a rebroadcast- originally aired in March 2025.