Anne Royall Tells Her Story as one of the First Female Journalists, Using "Unladylike" Tactics

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My name is Anne Royall, and I was born on June 11, 1769, in New Baltimore, Maryland. My life has been a journey of resilience, curiosity, and, perhaps most notably, a relentless fight for truth and justice through the power of words. I didn’t grow up with wealth or privilege, and my early years were marked by hardship. After my father passed away, my family moved to the wilderness of western Pennsylvania, where survival demanded grit and resourcefulness. It was there I developed the determination that would shape the rest of my life.

In my early 20s, I married a Revolutionary War veteran named William Royall, who was much older than me. He was well-educated and introduced me to the world of books and ideas, something I embraced wholeheartedly. Through him, I gained a passion for history, politics, and a thirst for knowledge that would stay with me for the rest of my days. When William passed away in 1813, I was left widowed and embroiled in a bitter legal battle over his estate, which I ultimately lost. That experience taught me just how unfair society could be to women, and it fueled my determination to fight against injustice.

After losing everything, I turned to the one thing that had always given me strength—writing. I began traveling across the United States, observing life in every corner of the young nation. From bustling cities to quiet rural villages, I recorded the sights, sounds, and people I encountered, often with sharp wit and unflinching honesty. My books, such as Sketches of History, Life, and Manners in the United States, painted vivid and sometimes critical portraits of America during its formative years. I didn’t sugarcoat anything, and that made some people uncomfortable—but I always believed in telling the truth.

As I grew older, I became increasingly bold in my pursuit of justice. In 1829, I famously became the first woman in the United States to interview a sitting president. Yes, I sat down with John Quincy Adams! The story goes that I caught him while he was swimming in the Potomac River. I don’t know if that’s entirely true, but it makes for a good tale, doesn’t it? What I do know is that I asked him tough questions, just as I did with anyone in power. I believed leaders should be held accountable to the people, and I wasn’t afraid to challenge them.

Later in life, I founded two newspapers: Paul Pry and The Huntress. Through these publications, I exposed corruption, championed causes like the separation of church and state, and gave a voice to those who were often ignored. My critics called me “eccentric” and “difficult,” but I never let their words silence me. I was fighting for what I believed was right, and that was more important than popularity.

My story is one of persistence and passion. I faced countless obstacles as a woman in a world that didn’t believe women should have a voice, but I refused to be silenced. I hope my life shows you that the truth matters, and it’s worth fighting for, no matter how many people try to stand in your way. If you have something important to say, say it. Don’t let the world tell you otherwise.

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