Weber Times

Today, Congressman Blake Moore joined Speaker Mike Johnson and members of the Utah congressional delegation to welcome Martha Hughes Cannon's statue to the U.S. Capitol. Cannon was a notable figure in American history as a physician, suffragist, and public health advocate. She became the first female state senator in 1896 when she joined the Utah State Senate.

"Martha Hughes Cannon was a champion for women in Utah and across the country, and this statue honors her legacy as our nation’s first female state senator and pioneer for women in medicine, civil rights, and politics, all while being a mother," said Congressman Moore. "As the first woman to be elected to the Utah State Senate, Martha spent her career championing health care legislation, expanding access to education, and protecting the rights of women in the workforce. I am thrilled that her statue has finally arrived in Washington so the Capitol Building’s many visitors can learn more about Martha and her immense impact on Utah and our nation."

Martha Hughes Cannon was born in Wales in 1857 before moving with her family to Utah in 1861. Her career began as a typesetter for Deseret News. She later attended what is now known as the University of Utah, earning an undergraduate degree in chemistry. At age 23, she obtained her medical degree from the University of Michigan followed by a graduate medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

Upon returning to Salt Lake City after graduation, Cannon opened a private health practice. In 1882, she became head resident physician at Deseret Hospital and established Utah's first nurse training school. A leader in Utah's suffrage movement, she testified before a United States legislative committee on women's suffrage.

Cannon was elected to the Utah State Senate in 1896 after defeating her husband in an election race. During her tenure, she established Utah's first board of health and its first school for deaf and blind students. Her legislative efforts were instrumental in revolutionizing public healthcare within Utah while supporting education access expansion and women's workforce rights.

The Department of Health building located in Salt Lake City bears her name as recognition of her contributions. With this statue placement at the U.S Capitol Building honoring Martha Hughes Cannon marks it being among only fourteen statues dedicated solely towards commemorating significant achievements made by influential women throughout history nationwide.