Robert E. Beach Architects

The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Occoquan Regional Park, Lorton, Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia, is the site of possibly the most significant moment in the fight for women’s suffrage in the United States. In 1917, more than 120 suffragists were imprisoned in the Occoquan Workhouse, in retaliation for picketing the Woodrow Wilson White House for the right to vote. The reports of inhumane conditions, beatings and force-feeding at the workhouse electrified the country and became the “turning point” in the struggle for the 19th Amendment.

The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial is currently under design and is dedicated to honoring the lives of the suffragists who fought for the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The design is based on creating a memorial that will reflect the strength of the women and the significance of their struggle. A master plan has been developed and approved and the design will be executed in phases.

The launch of the first phase is this year to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment with the completion of construction anticipated prior to the 100th anniversary. The entrance to the memorial is a gate that resembles the front gates of the Wilson-era White House where the women picketed prior to their arrest. After entering, visitors will follow a path, along which 19 historical vignettes exhibiting the suffragists’ struggle will be located. The memorial complex also features a gift shop, pavilion and an exhibition gallery.

If you would like more information or to make a donation please visit www.suffragistmemorial.org.

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