I was wondering if you had any information or knew of any web sites that discuss what rights women had or did not have in the 1800's. I know that they had no right to property and that they were not allowed to go to school past elementary grade. I was wondering if you had or knew of any background and why they had these laws. Thank you - Carrie

A more appropriate approach might be looking at what rights women did have in the 1800s - since the answer is very few. But, here's a glance at what women did/didn't have available to them: They couldn't divorce, inherit property, get custody of their children, earn their own wages, vote, sue, serve on jurys, get elected to politics, play professional sports. If they were black women they weren't even full citizens until the latter part of the century. So, women have come a long way, but the road ahead is still riddled with obstacles. I hope that helps and good luck.
—Amy