Historic Gathering on Liberty Island, 1915

This photograph titled Mrs. Catt, Bedloes Isle, 7/5/15 captures an important moment on Bedloes Isle, now better known as Liberty Island, in New York Harbor. The image shows a gathering involving prominent suffragist Susan B. Anthony, emphasizing the activism surrounding womens rights in the early 20th century. The date of the photograph, July 5, 1915, falls within a pivotal time as the fight for womens suffrage gained momentum in the United States. It showcases the burgeoning efforts of activists who advocated for equal voting rights, leading to the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Bedloes Isle has a rich history prior to being the home of the Statue of Liberty. It played various roles, from a military fort during the Revolutionary War to a site of celebration and gathering for influential movements. The Bain News Service, known for its extensive documentary photography, recorded significant events and figures of the time, providing a visual narrative to historical moments. This photograph illustrates not just a person but the collective struggle for womens rights, immortalizing a scene that reflects the persistence and determination of early activists.