In the 1970s, the 100 members of the Arkansas House of Representatives included just three women. Among them was Rep. Carolyn Pollan, a Republican of Fort Smith.

Between 1975 and 1999 - when term limits ended her legislative career - Pollan championed improvements to foster care and educational services for Arkansas' youngest residents. To help draw attention to these issues, she created and chaired the state's first Children and Youth Committee. Pollan also was an ardent supporter of a national Equal Rights Amendment.

Rep. Pollan remains the longest-serving woman and longest-serving Republican to have served in the Arkansas General Assembly. 

Learn more about the life of Carolyn Pollan.