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The First Woman To Run For President — In 1872 In the 19th century, Victoria Woodhull was a clairvoyant, a businesswoman and an advocate for women's rights and sexual freedom. But she is best known as the first woman to run for president. Her 1872 campaign came at a time when most women did not even have the right to vote.
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The First Woman To Run For President — In 1872

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The First Woman To Run For President — In 1872

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First of a five-part series

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Victoria Claflin Woodhull, circa 1872. Bettmann/Corbis hide caption

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Bettmann/Corbis

Victoria Claflin Woodhull, circa 1872.

Bettmann/Corbis

In the 19th century, Victoria Claflin Woodhull was many things: a clairvoyant, a businesswoman, an advocate for women's rights and sexual freedom, and a magnet for media attention and scandal.

But she is best known as the first woman to run for president. Her 1872 campaign came at a time when most women did not even have the right to vote.

Radio Diaries talked with Scott Claflin, a descendant of Woodhull, and Amanda Frisken, who wrote Victoria Woodhull's Sexual Revolution.

This story was produced by Joe Richman and Samara Freemark of Radio Diaries.

Special Series

Radio Diaries

Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Life