Two Women Fought for Voting Rights in Historic 1916 Road Trip

Alice Burke and Nell Richardson's 16-day journey highlighted the struggle for the 19th Amendment.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:04am

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A nostalgic, cinematic painting of a vintage car parked on a dusty rural road, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a sense of the historical journey undertaken by the two women.The 1916 road trip by suffragists Alice Burke and Nell Richardson helped build momentum for the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote nationwide four years later.Montgomery Today

In 1916, Alice Burke and Nell Richardson embarked on a 16-day road trip from New York to Montgomery, Alabama to advocate for women's voting rights. Their journey highlighted the ongoing battle for the 19th Amendment, which would grant women the right to vote nationwide.

Why it matters

The 1916 road trip by Burke and Richardson predated the 19th Amendment's ratification in 1920, demonstrating the long and difficult fight for women's suffrage. Their activism helped raise awareness and build momentum for the historic legislation.

The details

Burke and Richardson traveled by car from New York to Montgomery, Alabama, stopping in various cities along the way to speak about the importance of women's voting rights. Their journey was challenging, as the roads at the time were often unpaved and difficult to navigate. Despite the hardships, the two women remained determined to advocate for their cause.

  • Burke and Richardson embarked on their road trip on April 6, 1916.
  • They arrived in Montgomery, Alabama on April 22, 1916.

The players

Alice Burke

A prominent suffragist who participated in the 1916 road trip from New York to Montgomery to advocate for women's voting rights.

Nell Richardson

A fellow suffragist who joined Alice Burke on the 16-day road trip from New York to Montgomery to raise awareness for the women's suffrage movement.

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The takeaway

The 1916 road trip by Burke and Richardson highlighted the long and difficult struggle for women's suffrage, which culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment four years later. Their activism and determination helped build momentum for this historic legislation.