Margaret Brent was born in England in 1601. She received a formal education in England. Margaret, her brother, Giles, and her sister, Mary, came to Maryland in 1638. They were Roman Catholics, and they came to America so that they could worship as they pleased.

Margaret Brent was the first female lawyer in the United States. She was also one of the first female landowners.

In 1648, there was conflict in Maryland between the Protestants and the Catholics. Lord Calvert had to leave Maryland, and he asked Margaret to manage all of his holdings while he was gone. She went before the governing body and asked for the right to vote – not just one vote, mind you – she wanted two votes (one for herself and one on behalf of Lord Calvert). Her request was denied. Shortly thereafter, Margaret, her brother, and her sister fled Maryland. They landed at (what is now known as) Brent Point on the Widewater peninsula.

Margaret owned land from Fredericksburg to Alexandria. She allowed folks of all religions to settle on her land.

Unfortunately, we do not know much about Margaret Brent. We can only guess what she was like based upon the actions she took. It is amazing that a woman of the 1600’s accomplished so much. She not only thought “outside of the box,” her thinking took her outside of the entire room!

With the children, we would like to incorporate Margaret Brent’s legacy by stressing the power of positive thinking and working toward achieving their dreams. They need to know that anything is possible!

Click here for more information about Margaret Brent from the Central Rappahanock Regional Library