Colonial Women of Affairs: Women in Business and the Professions in America Before 1776

"Colonial Women of Affairs: Women in Business and the Professions in America Before 1776" provides a compelling exploration of the diverse professional roles occupied by women in the American colonies. Elisabeth Williams Dexter challenges common misconceptions by documenting the active participation of women in various industries, ranging from commerce and crafts to medicine and legal affairs. By examining primary sources and historical records, the work illustrates that colonial women were often formidable entrepreneurs, managing taverns, operating printing presses, and engaging in international trade long before the industrial age.

This scholarly yet accessible study offers deep insights into the social and economic agency of women during a period typically viewed as restrictive. It highlights how necessity and legal frameworks allowed for a degree of professional independence that varied across different colonies. By bringing to light the stories of these forgotten pioneers, "Colonial Women of Affairs: Women in Business and the Professions in America Before 1776" remains a foundational text for understanding the evolution of labor, gender roles, and the economic foundations of early America.

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