Victoria Woodhull: Pioneer of Female Presidential Candidacy in the United States

Very close to her younger sister, Tennessee, Victoria shared with her clairvoyant talents and an approach to life that led them to explore spiritualism. Victoria became a medium and one of the major figures in this movement. Importantly, her unhappy marriage experience pushed her to advocate for the controversial cause of “free love.”

Rise to Wall Street

Spiritualism, popular in the 19th century, contributed to the sisters’ fame. Their big break came when they were noticed by tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, who built an empire in the maritime and railroad industries. The businessman was so charmed by the two women that he supported them in a project that was then forbidden for women: becoming stockbrokers.

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Feminist Activist and Presidential Candidate

In 1870, the New York Herald published Victoria Woodhull’s “Declaration” on the front page, in which she claimed gender equality and announced her candidacy for President of the United States. Victoria received the presidential nomination from the newly formed Equal Rights Party, or People’s Party, following another acclaimed speech at New York’s Apollo Hall on May 10, 1872. For the vice presidency, African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass was chosen.

However, not all women activists supported her, and many sided with voices accusing her of being a woman without principles and of questionable morality. Victoria defended women’s rights to control their hearts and bodies and advocated for sexual freedom.

Scandal and Imprisonment

Facing increasing attacks from the Beecher sisters for her controversial moral principles, Victoria exposed the hypocrisy of Reverend Henry Ward Beecher by revealing the details of his affair with a parishioner. The next day, Victoria and her sister were arrested for distributing an obscene newspaper through the mail. The presidential campaign came to an end, and on Election Day, Victoria spent the day in jail.

A New Life in England

In 1877, Victoria chose to start a new life in England, where she married a wealthy banker and renounced her former beliefs. The woman who had shaken America as the “scandalous” Victoria quickly faded into obscurity.