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Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol now displays a bronze statue of Martha "Mattie" Hughes Cannon, the first woman elected to a state senate in the United States and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The unveiling ceremony on December 11, 2024, was attended by Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Elder Matthew S. Holland, and Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson.
Elder Stevenson remarked on the significance of Cannon's life and achievements: “The life and accomplishments of this faithful sister remind everyone of the power of putting the Lord first in all things." President Johnson, who gave the invocation at the ceremony, expressed her admiration for Cannon: “She just represents Utah and the women of Utah so beautifully."
Cannon's contributions as a state senator included establishing sanitation laws and founding Utah’s first state board of health. Her legislative work also focused on improving working conditions for women and girls and securing education funds for deaf students.
President Johnson highlighted Cannon's vision for women's well-being: “Our global initiative in 2024 and moving forward is to bless the lives of women and children... Martha Hughes Cannon seemed to have a vision for that in the late 1800s.”
The decision to replace Philo T. Farnsworth's statue with that of Cannon was made by the Utah Legislature in 2018. The new statue was created by artist Ben Hammond.
Cannon was born in Wales in 1857 before immigrating to Utah Territory with her family. She pursued medical studies at Brigham Young’s encouragement, eventually earning four degrees by age 25.
Utah Congresswoman Celeste Maloy acknowledged both familiar and complex aspects of Cannon's story: “She ended up leaving Utah [for a time]... because the United States had decided she couldn’t practice her religion.”
In addition to her medical career, Cannon was an advocate for women's suffrage, working to include enfranchisement in Utah’s constitution when it became a state.
Katherine M. Clark noted Cannon's national influence on women's rights: “She took that fight nationwide... building a movement that ultimately delivered the 19th Amendment.”
Utah Senator Mike Lee praised Cannon as an emblematic figure: “Her presence here reminds us that Utah’s history is rich with those who have dared to make a difference.”
Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson emphasized continuing Cannon's legacy: “[We can] do our little bit of good in the world... remembering that history bends toward equality."
President Johnson hopes visitors will be inspired by Cannon’s example: "Her pursuit of a medical education was extraordinary for her time... I hope that women - including my granddaughters... will learn from Martha Hughes Cannon."
