Who is/was the first woman to ever run for President of the United States?

Would you say Democrat Geraldine Ferraro? She was not, but she was the first woman vice-presidential candidate to run on a national party ticket.

Would you say Republican Elizabeth Dole? She was not either, but she was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000.

Ever heard of Victoria Woodhull? Some say she was 100 years ahead of her time.

Few have heard of her today, but Victoria Woodhull ran for President of the United States in 1872. At that time, she was one of the most famous women in the country.

Why did we not learn about her in history in high school? Or, in college even?

Woodhull was nominated for the U.S. Presidency by the Equal Rights Party. According to one source, the one thing those in the Equal Rights Party agreed upon was the need for a "government of the people, by the people, and for the people." The wanted government with principles. This was in 1872? Sounds like now!

I understand the Equal Rights Party also nominated the first black man for Vice President, Frederick Douglass. Really?

I understand that Woodhull was also the first woman to speak before Congress. She did so in 1871.

Apparently, her parents ran a traveling medicine show, and she later made a living by telling fortunes and selling medicines with her sister. Sounds like she was qualified to run for President, yes?

So, move over Hillary Clinton; you've not made history -- at least not yet. Victoria Woodhull beat you to being the first woman to run for President.

And, move over Barack Obama; you've not made history -- at least not yet. You're not the first black person to run for President, nor will you be the first to run for Vice President.

Jack Rollins is the managing editor of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.