The Right of Citizens of the United States To Vote Shall Not Be Denied

—Or Abridged By The United States Or By Any State On Account Of Sex —

How Tennessee Became "The Perfect 36"
Centennial Park was the site of several suffrage rallies in the 1910s as suffragist marched from the state capitol to the park. They gave speeches and performances to thousands in attendance to garner support for the 19th Amendments eventual passage in 1920.

In August 1920 Tennessee all-male legislature met for three weeks in special session to ratify-with a majority of but a single vote - the so-called Susan B. Anthony Amendment. Introduced into the legislature by a united Shelby County Delegation. This action marked the moment of enfranchisement for one-half of the country's adult population because Tennessee (which was immediately proclaimed "The Perfect 36" by commentators and cartoonist of the day) thereby became the pivotal 36th State needed to complete ratification by three-quarters of the then 48 states. It also marked the climax of 72 years of ceaseless campaigning by four generations of American women activist. Seasoned veterans of the suffrage struggle said this last battle - Armageddon in Nashville - was the toughest ever. The decisive drama that unfolded during those hectic days in Tennessee that summer must be counted as one of democracy finer triumphs. The most undeviating of American idealist, these persevering right-to-vote crusaders had become by 1920