Trailblazing Women of Montana: Pioneers, Warriors & Leaders

March is here, which means it's Women's History Month, and March 8th marks International Women's Day. In honor of this month, let's celebrate some of the remarkable women who helped shape Montana's history.

Not too long ago, Montana was the true frontier—a land of opportunity but also an immense challenge. The west wasn't for the faint of heart; it meant risking everything, sometimes even your life. The women who braved this rugged landscape were pioneers in every sense, and those born here carried on their fearless legacy.

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With that in mind, let's take a moment to honor the trailblazing women who left their mark on the Treasure State.

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First Woman To Be Elected To Congress

Jeannette Rankin was the first woman ever elected to Congress and the first woman to serve in federal office in 1917. She was born in Missoula County, was the only lawmaker to vote against the U.S.'s entry into both world wars and served two terms.

Utility Company Owner and So Much More...

Sarah Bickford’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Born into slavery in 1852 near Jonesboro, Tennessee, she found freedom after the Civil War and made her way to Virginia City, Montana, in 1870. There, she endured an abusive marriage, fought for and won a divorce—an incredible feat at the time—and later became the owner of a utility company. And let’s not forget, she accomplished all of this before women even had the right to vote. Talk about a trailblazer!

credit: Canva

Running Eagle

You can't talk about Montana without honoring the incredible story of Brown Weasel Woman, also known as Pi’tamaka (Running Eagle). Born in the late 1700s, she was a proud member of the Piikáni (Piegan Blackfeet) Tribe and defied traditional gender roles by becoming a fierce warrior. From a young age, she was drawn to hunting and battle, proving herself among the men as an equal—a rare and remarkable feat.

Her courage and skill earned her the name Running Eagle, and her legacy still lives on in Montana today. Several landmarks in Glacier National Park, including Pitamakan Lake, Pitamakan Pass, and Running Eagle Falls, stand as lasting tributes to her strength and fearless spirit.

These are just a few of the many women who shaped Montana’s history, but their legacies live on to this day. From pioneers to warriors, their strength and determination paved the way for future generations. Montana wouldn’t be the same without them, and their stories deserve to be remembered.