Cheyenne in Laramie County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Esther Hobart Morris
— Capitol Avenue Bronze Project —
Photographed By Mark Parker, June 28, 2024
1. Esther Hobart Morris Marker
Esther Hobart Morris
by Joel Turner
In honor of the Wyoming woman who was the first woman in the United States of America to hold judicial office.
Erected 2022 by Capitol Avenue Bronze Commission, donated by James Collins.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is August 8, 1814.
Location. 41° 8.342′ N, 104° 49.155′ W. Marker is in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in Laramie County. Marker is at the intersection of Capitol Avenue and West 24th Street, on the right when traveling north on Capitol Avenue. Marker is at the base of the statue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2301 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne WY 82001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nellie Tayloe Ross (a few steps from this marker); Elling William "Bill" Golling (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Cheyenne - Ft. Laramie - Deadwood Trail (about 400 feet away); Therese A. Jenkins (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Esther Hobart Morris (about 400 feet away); Wyoming Army and Air National Guard Memorial (about 500 feet away); Wyoming Spanish American War Monument
this page online
More about this marker. Marker and statue is to the left of the main sidewalk entrance to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Also see . . . Esther Hobart Morris (Wikipedia).
Overview: Esther Hobart Morris (August 8, 1814 – April 2, 1902) was the first woman justice of the peace in the United States. She began her tenure as justice in South Pass City, Wyoming, on February 14, 1870, serving a term of nearly 9 months. The Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners appointed Morris as justice of the peace after the previous justice, R. S. Barr, resigned in protest of Wyoming Territory's passage of the women's suffrage amendment in December 1869.
Popular stories and historical accounts, as well as by state and federal public monuments, point to Morris as a leader in the passage of Wyoming's suffrage amendment. However, Morris's leadership role in the legislation is disputed. Morris herself never claimed any credit, ascribing the bill entirely to William H. Bright, who was member of the territorial legislature from South Pass City and President of the Territorial Council.[
Photographed By Mark Parker, June 28, 2024
2. Esther Hobart Morris Statue
in front of the Wyoming Supreme Court
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 37 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
