Two months before ratification of the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, Lillian Exum Clement was nominated by Buncombe County democrats to serve in the State House. She overwhelmingly defeated two male opponents in the primary and took her seat Jan. 5, 1921. She was the first woman in the South to hold legislative office and will be honored during tours celebrating March as Women’s History Month at the North Carolina State Capitol.
The next “Behind the Scenes” tours, Saturday, March 16, will focus on women who served in the State Capitol, and guide visitors to spaces normally off-limits to the public. Tours are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a $17 fee. Spaces are limited, so participants must register and pre-pay. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Please call (919) 715-3981 for information or reservations.
The State Capitol’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history, architecture and functions of the 1840 building and Union Square. For additional information about the Capitol, please call (919) 733-4994.
The State Capitol’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history, architecture and function of the 1840 building and Union Square. It is within the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and located at One Edenton Street, Raleigh. For additional information please call or visit www.historicsites.nc.gov/capitol.