Women Who Made Texas History - Texas Then and Now

Women have shaped Texas in countless ways, whether by changing politics, shaking up the business world, preserving heritage, or using art and activism to build new futures. I see Texas history as a long chain of people solving problems and breaking barriers, leaving the state stronger than they found it.

When you look closer at the story of Texas, women’s contributions pop up everywhere—sometimes in surprising and deeply inspiring ways. Let’s jump into the lives and stories of some of the most influential women in Texas history, highlighting what made them truly important to the state.

Pioneering Leaders Who Changed Texas Politics

Texas politics is famous for its toughness, and women have had to work doubly hard to earn a seat at the table. However, some women didn’t just get a seat; they rewrote the guest list. These political leaders made waves that you can still feel today.

Barbara Jordan (1936–1996): When Barbara Jordan took the oath as the first Black woman from the South to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, it wasn’t just about her success. It was about changing how people thought about leaders. Her powerful speeches during the Watergate hearings and her focus on fairness inspire me, and her work still echoes in the halls of government.
Ann Richards (1933–2006): With her silver hair and sharp humor, Ann Richards became governor in the 1990s and made Texas government more open and diverse. She’s especially remembered for supporting public education and women’s rights. Richards proved to me that being confident and authentic can win hearts, even in fierce political fights.
Miriam “Ma” Ferguson (1875–1961): Texas’s very first female governor earned the nickname “Ma” by standing up for everyday Texans. Running on an anti-Klan platform, Ferguson made possible new opportunities for women in politics, even when she had to find her own path through the obstacles.
Irma Rangel (1931–2003): As the first Mexican American woman in the Texas House, Irma Rangel broke barriers by fighting for fair access to college. The “Top 10% Rule,” which reserves spots at state universities for top high school graduates, has changed the game for thousands. You feel her legacy every spring when kids across Texas pack their things for college.
Sarah Weddington (1945–2021): Sarah Weddington was just 26 when she argued Roe v. Wade before the Supreme Court. Whether or not you agree with the ruling, you can’t ignore how her work shaped American legal history and opened doors for young women in law.

Early Texas Pioneers and History Keepers

Long before Texas became a state, women were visionaries, survivors, and storytellers. These early trailblazers made tough calls and worked to keep Texas stories alive for future generations.

Jane Long (1798–1880): Often called the “Mother of Texas,” Jane Long weathered fierce winters, raids, and heartbreak while helping settle the Texas Gulf Coast. Her story to me is proof that grit and determination are often the best tools on the frontier.
Susana Dickinson (1814–1883): As one of the few people to survive the Alamo, Susana Dickinson spread news of what happened inside. Without her firsthand account, the story of the Alamo would be missing a vital voice—and her story helped turn it into a symbol of courage.
Adina De Zavala (1861–1955) and Clara Driscoll (1881–1945): Both women refused to let Texas landmarks like the Alamo be swept away by development. De Zavala even camped out in the Alamo, while Driscoll used her savings to save historic buildings. Thanks to them, visitors to San Antonio still get a powerful sense of old Texas pride.

Cultural Shapers and Business Innovators

In business, art, and entertainment, Texas women haven’t just shown up—they’ve led the charge and left a mark. Here are a few who make history feel up close and personal.

Mary Kay Ash (1918–2001): Mary Kay built her namesake cosmetics company in Dallas and grew it into a global empire. She created a path for women to succeed on their own terms. Today, those pink Cadillacs cruising Texas roads are a tribute to her bold vision.
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (1971–1995): The “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena mixed together Mexican and American styles, winning fans in Texas and far beyond. Her sound, her approach to fashion, and her bond with fans keep her spirit alive in car radios and dance halls everywhere.
Bessie Coleman (1892–1926): Born in Atlanta, Texas, Bessie Coleman became the first Black and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license. She had to go all the way to France to achieve her dream, since American schools shut her out. Her story sends a clear message—when one door closes, it’s time to find another runway.
Sarah Horton Cockrell (1819–1892): Cockrell’s business vision led her to build the first bridge over the Trinity River, bringing Dallas neighborhoods together and fueling the city’s growth. Without her drive for strong connections, major Texas roadways would look a lot different today.
Lizzie Johnson Williams (1840–1924): Nicknamed the “Cattle Queen of Texas,” Lizzie ranched, led cattle drives, and owned her businesses during an era when women weren’t supposed to control property. Her legacy lives on every time cowboys and cowgirls gather for rodeos and state fairs.

Bold Voices for Activism and Social Change

From labor rights and civil rights to breaking down racial and gender barriers, women made Texas—and sometimes the world—more fair and welcoming. Here are a few whose actions fire up hope today.

Lady Bird Johnson (1912–2007): As First Lady, Lady Bird wasn’t just about wildflowers. She campaigned vigorously for environmental protection and highway beautification. Thanks to her, bluebonnets now color Texas every spring, and cities like Austin value their green spaces more than ever.
Jovita Idár (1885–1946): Jovita wore many hats—teacher, journalist, and activist. Her work for Mexican American rights and women’s equality was ahead of its time and remains visible today if you page through old newspapers or explore the roots of bilingual education in Texas.
Emma Tenayuca (1916–1999): Emma led the historic 1938 pecan shellers’ strike in San Antonio, fighting for better pay and conditions for thousands of mostly Mexican American workers. It wasn’t only about paychecks. It was about respect and dignity in the workplace.

Wider Impact on the Texas Landscape

What stands out the most about these women isn’t only their personal achievements; it’s how they broke through boundaries—political, social, or even geographical—remaking Texas in all directions.

Women in politics helped pass laws for fair education and transparency in government, spreading opportunities for others.
Musicians and artists gave Texas its unique sound and look, putting homegrown styles on the global stage.
Entrepreneurs in fields from cattle to cosmetics showed that women could, and would, change old ways of doing business.
Preserving landmarks like the Alamo means the Texas story survives the way it should be told.

Texas women keep proving there’s more than one way to be a leader—sometimes bold and loud, sometimes quietly persistent. Their mark is everywhere: in laws, parades, school colors on Fridays, and that sea of wildflowers along the highways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lots of people are curious about Texas history and what role women played. Here are answers to a few frequent questions:

Who was the first woman to hold statewide office in Texas?

It was Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, elected governor in 1925 after promising to clean up state government and oppose the Ku Klux Klan.

Why is Barbara Jordan so well-known in U.S. history?

Barbara Jordan opened doors for Black women in Congress and became legendary during the Watergate hearings, standing out for her unshakable belief in the Constitution and civil rights.

Was Selena Quintanilla’s influence mainly in music?

Selena definitely changed music, but her impact runs deeper. She made Tejano culture mainstream, became a fashion inspiration, and showed how being true to yourself could lead to both acceptance and success.

What were some big achievements by Texas women in business?

Mary Kay Ash built a huge global brand and gave women more control over their finances. Lizzie Johnson Williams built a ranching empire when women were rarely seen owning property. Both set new standards for what’s possible in Texas business.

The Impact Continues

Each year, new women step up to add chapters to the Texas story. Whether they’re heading up schools, making breakthroughs in science, running small businesses, or serving on city councils, their reach is everywhere.

Learning what they accomplished gives me an even stronger appreciation for the past and a jolt of excitement for the future. The spirit these women showed, the courage to stand tall, build something lasting, and dream big, makes Texas a place where big changes are always on the horizon.

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As always, stay safe, enjoy the journey, and please try to leave Texas cleaner than you found it. If you have any comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions, please leave them in the comment section below, and I’ll get back to you ASAP. You can follow us on TikTok @texasthenandnow or YouTube @TexasThenandNow for videos of all things Texas.

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