Chicago Suffrage Parade: Historic Marching Costume, 1916

This photograph captures a woman proudly modeling a marching costume for a suffrage parade in Chicago on June 6, 1916. At this time, the women’s suffrage movement was gaining significant traction across the United States, with activists advocating for the right to vote. The Chicago parade was part of a larger series of events organized to raise awareness and support for the 19th Amendment, which would eventually grant women the right to vote in 1920.

The costume she wears likely reflects the eras fashion as well as the spirit of the suffrage movement—colorful, bold, and meant to command attention during public demonstrations. Women from various backgrounds participated in these parades, showcasing unity and determination in their quest for equality. This photograph stands as a historical record of that pivotal moment, symbolizing the ongoing fight for womens rights during the early 20th century. It provides a glimpse into the organized efforts of suffragists, who used such public displays to foster visibility and urgency in their cause.