Margaret Brent

A pioneering advocate for women's rights in 17th-century colonial America.

Margaret Brent (c. 1601–1671) stands out as one of the earliest champions of women's legal and property rights in colonial America. Arriving in Maryland in 1638, she became a prominent landowner and businesswoman, defying the gender norms of her time. Brent's most notable act was her demand for a voice in the Maryland Assembly in 1648, asserting her right to vote as a landowner—a bold move that predated formal women's suffrage by centuries.

Brent's significance lies in her relentless pursuit of equality. When Governor Leonard Calvert died, she managed his estate and petitioned the assembly to grant her voting rights to settle debts, arguing her case with legal acumen. Though denied, her actions challenged patriarchal structures and highlighted the need for gender equity in governance. Learn more about her legacy here.

Her entrepreneurial spirit also shaped Maryland's economy. She acquired over 1,000 acres, fostering agricultural development. Brent's life exemplifies how early women navigated and contested legal systems to make a difference in colonial society.