Clara McCarty made history in 1876 as the first woman to graduate from the Territorial University of Washington, completing a Bachelor of Science at just 18 years of age. This milestone reflects not only her personal achievement but also marks a significant moment for higher education on the West Coast.
The University itself has an intriguing history. Founded in 1861 on the outskirts of Seattle, it faced numerous challenges early on, operating intermittently due to financial difficulties. After closing multiple times in its early years, the University finally stabilized, managing to remain in operation for 148 years after McCarty’s graduation.
Clara McCarty, the University’s inaugural graduate, attended a campus that served both children and collegiate students, as depicted in this 1883 image.
During McCarty’s time, Seattle was far from the bustling city it is today, with a population of only a few thousand, primarily made up of loggers and sailors. The University catered mainly to schoolchildren, with only a handful of college-level courses offered. At that time, only eight instructors were employed, and students paid a modest tuition fee of $30 per year.
Reflecting on her educational journey, McCarty noted, “Typewriters and fountain pens were unknown, and even notebooks and pen and ink were scarce. Nearly all writing was done with pencil on foolscap paper.” According to the Seattle Daily Times, she also had the distinction of being the first woman to receive a bachelor’s degree on the West Coast. She proudly shared honors as both class president and valedictorian as the sole graduate of her class.
Following her graduation, McCarty pursued further studies and obtained a master’s degree from the University of California. In 1880, at the age of 22, she made history again by becoming Pierce County’s first superintendent of public schools. This was notable as it occurred just three years prior to women gaining the right to vote in the territory and long before the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
In 1883, McCarty gained further recognition for being the first owner of a typewriter in Pierce County, earning about $10 a day—equivalent to over $300 today—by typing legal documents for a law firm. This technological advancement attracted many visitors eager to see the new device.
After her husband, John Henry Wilt, a fellow educator who later served as a court clerk and sheriff, passed away in 1909, McCarty continued to engage with her community. She took on various roles, including secretary at the YWCA and assistant at the Washington State Historical Society.
Clara McCarty passed away in 1929 at the age of 71. While many contemporary students may not recognize her name, her legacy endures through McCarty Hall, a student residence named in her honor in 1962, serving as a reminder of her groundbreaking contributions to education and women’s rights.
