“Women should do for themselves what men have already done—occasionally what men have not done—thereby establishing themselves as persons, and perhaps encouraging other women toward greater independence of thought and action.” – Amelia Earhart

The month of March celebrates the contributions women have made throughout history. While figures such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, Rosie the Riveter and Betty Friedan are often associated with Women's History Month, there are many other women who have helped break down barriers and change history for the better.

Check out these 5 interesting facts about women’s history that you might not have known.

1. Lydia Taft became the first woman to vote in colonial America, even years before the 19th Amendment.

As we know, the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote on equal terms with men in 1920. However, 164 years earlier in 1756, Lydia Taft who was married to Josiah Taft, a prominent member of the community, was granted the right to vote in her husband's place after Josiah’s death. Lydia went on to cast several more votes, contributing to the town’s stance on important matters like financial contribution to the French and Indian Wars.

2. Marie Curie is the only person who has ever received two Nobel Prizes in two different science categories.

The name Marie Curie might often be associated with Women’s History Month since she was the first female to ever be awarded a Nobel Prize, but did you know that she is the first person EVER, male or female, two be awarded the coveted prize in two different science categories?! There has yet to be another successful contender.

3. Wyoming refused to join the United States without a guarantee that women would be allowed to vote.

In 1869, the territory of Wyoming made history when it passed a law granting women aged 21 and older the right to vote. However, when Wyoming applied for statehood, Congress stated that it wouldn’t allow the territory to join the union unless women were disenfranchised. Wyoming replying via telegram, “We will remain out of the Union one hundred years rather than come in without the women.” True to its past, Wyoming’s state motto today is simply, “Equal Rights.”

4. Women weren’t legally guaranteed equal educational opportunities until 1972. Today, more women earn college degrees than men.

Even after the 19th Amendment, there were still many barriers to true equality for women. Over 50 years later, Title IX was passed saying schools were no longer able to discriminate against sex. This allowed more female athletes, greater protection from sexual assault, and an increase in women's enrollment overall. In fact, today, the majority of bachelor's degrees are awarded to women!

5. 17 year old pitcher Jackie Mitchell made history when she struck out two legends.

When you hear the names like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, your mind probably goes straight to legends. How about this one? Jackie Mitchell. Mitchell was not only the 2nd woman ever to participate in professional baseball, in 1983 Mitchell struck out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig! Unfortunately, it was just days later after her record-breaking game that the residing baseball commissioner barred Mitchell from the sport.

We have come a long way in the last 150+ years and there have been so many incredible women who have helped shape the world we live in today. The tradition of Women’s History Month has only grown stronger over time, with each March marking a month of celebration of all the women heroes out there!