Born: 1838 (Noel, Nova Scotia, Canada)
Died: 1887
Biography:
Julia Annie Archibald Holmes was an American suffragist, abolitionist, mountaineer, and journalist. She was born on February 15, 1838, in Noel, Nova Scotia, Canada. In 1848, her family relocated to Massachusetts, where her father, James Archibald, was an abolitionist, and her mother, Julia, was a strong supporter of women’s suffrage. Their household was filled with the ideals of equality and justice.
In 1854, the Archibald family moved once again, this time to Lawrence, Kansas, to actively participate in the abolitionist efforts ignited by the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Their home in Kansas became a crucial part of the Underground Railroad, aiding escaped slaves on the treacherous journey to freedom. Julia’s upbringing instilled within her a strong sense of social justice and the courage to fight for a more equitable society.
In 1857, Julia married James H. Holmes, an abolitionist whom she had met through her father’s friend, John Brown. The couple shared a passion for justice and embarked on adventures together. In 1858, they joined a group of gold miners and traveled to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. When they reached the base of Pikes Peak, Julia and James decided to venture even further and attempt to climb the mountain alongside J. D. Miller and George Peck.
On August 5, 1858, Julia Holmes accomplished a remarkable feat. She became the first woman to reach the summit of Pikes Peak, defying societal expectations and challenging traditional gender roles. Her determination and perseverance were evident not only in her physical ascent but also in her refusal to succumb to discouragement. In a letter to her mother, she wrote, Nearly everyone tried to discourage me from attempting it, but I believed that I should succeed; and now here I am, and I feel that I would not have missed this glorious sight for anything at all.
After their triumphant climb, Julia and James settled in Taos, New Mexico, where she worked as a correspondent for the New York Herald Tribune. While balancing her responsibilities as a mother to four children, Julia continued to pursue her passion for writing and activism. In 1870, she divorced her husband and relocated to Washington, D.C., where she found employment at the Spanish Correspondence Division of the Bureau of Education. Julia’s career within the Bureau flourished, eventually leading her to become the division chief, making her the first woman member ever to hold such a position.
Throughout the 1860s and 1870s, Julia Holmes played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement. She served as a secretary for the National Woman Suffrage Association and delivered a powerful speech at the inaugural convention of the association in 1869. In Washington, D.C., she worked diligently to establish suffrage associations, advocating for women’s voting rights. To further their cause, Julia even attempted to register to vote in 1871, realizing the importance of challenging discriminatory laws and practices.
Julia Archibald Holmes was a close friend of Susan B. Anthony, another prominent suffragist and key figure in the fight for women’s rights. Her dedication to the suffrage movement and her invaluable contributions served as an inspiration to many.
Julia Holmes passed away in 1887, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to equality. In recognition of her immense contributions, she was posthumously inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame in March 2014. Her life story embodies the spirit of women’s history, reminding us of the extraordinary achievements that can be accomplished through determination and a steadfast belief in justice and equality.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (2014)