Nellie Tayloe Ross Day
On Sunday, Wyoming will celebrate Nellie Tayloe Ross Day in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Nellie Talyoe Ross (1876-1977) being sworn in as the state’s (and the nation’s) first female governor. Ross’s husband was elected governor in 1922 but died in the middle of his term. Encouraged by supporters, Ross ran to fill his seat and was victorious. She served from January 5, 1925, to January 3, 1927. Numismatists may know her better for her other “first,” which came later: first female director of the U.S. Mint (1933-53).
The proclamation for Wyoming’s Nellie Tayloe Ross Day originated as a classroom project at Green River High School. History teacher Bridgette Nielsen’s students learned about Ross and agreed that she deserved recognition. They drafted a proclamation declaring January 5, 2025, Nellie Tayloe Ross Day and sent it to Governor Mark Gordon, who made it official.
Gordon says the proclamation “embodies the timeless attributes of Nellie Tayloe Ross, especially noting her ‘steadfast commitment to public service, her advocacy for banking reform, public health, and education, and her unwavering dedication to the well-being of Wyoming citizens.’”