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FEBB BURN 2026
Women's Suffrage Museum Events & Cultural Center

Mission statement for Suffrage Coalition Inc.’s Project: Women’s Suffrage Museum – Events & Culture Center - Locate and preserve the epic history of the movement that brought democracy to the other half of our citizens. Use accurate, immersive storytelling to inspire future generations to value their rights and faithfully perform their duties as citizens.

THE TENNESSEE STORY

Tennessee, an unlikely Southern state, ushered in the largest single political change in American history when it delivered the final necessary ratification vote to secure voting rights for all female citizens. In the summer of 1920, the 72 year battle came to a dramatic close in the Tennessee House of Representatives in August 18, 1920.

The Road to Tennessee

The women of America faced fierce opposition for over seven decades to win their right to democracy’s greatest prize: a voice in their government. Ratification was required by 36 states to win the vote. Thirty-five states had ratified when it began to fail in the North. Some states refused to even take the matter up, and some states that were expected to ratify rejected it. All eyes turned to Tennessee

A State Divided

The Tennessee House of Representatives was deeply split. Suffragists and anti-suffragists poured into Nashville, turning the Hermitage Hotel into “Ground Zero” for lobbying, persuasion, and political maneuvering. The powerful railroad, liquor, and manufacturing industries opposed women’s votes and rumors ran wild about bribery and threats. The debates were fierce, and tensions ran high as the final vote approached.

Harry T. Burn’s Historic Vote

After weeks of maneuvering, on August 18, 1920, ratification finally came to vote. The outcome was uncertain until a 24-year-old representative, Harry T. Burn of East Tennessee, who had been siding with the antis he read a letter from his mother, Febb Ensminger Burn. She urged  him to “be a good boy” and support the Amendment. He surprised everyone, switched his vote, and broke the tie.  His single vote tipped the balance.

Victory for Women, Victory for Democracy

With Tennessee’s ratification, the 19th Amendment cleared the final hurdle. On August 26, 1920, the Amendment  was certified into law, guaranteeing that no state could deny the right to vote on the basis of sex. Millions of American women citizens were enfranchised, and Tennessee’s decisive role was forever etched in history.

A Legacy to Celebrate

The Women’s Suffrage Museum in Knoxville will honor Tennessee’s pivotal role in securing the vote. Through artifacts, exhibits, and storytelling, visitors will relive the drama and celebrate the women — and men — of all shades whose courage made history.