Kittie Knox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kittie Knox
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Kittie Knox and bicycle
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| Born | October 7, 1874 Cambridge, Massachusetts
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| Died | October 11, 1900 (aged 26) |
| Occupation | seamstress |
| Known for | cyclist |
Katherine Towle Knox (October 7, 1874 – October 11, 1900) was an amazing bicycle racer who made history. She was the first African American person to join a big cycling group called the League of American Wheelmen (LAW). Kittie was known for her incredible cycling skills and her stylish outfits!
Contents
A Trailblazing Cyclist
Kittie Knox joined the League of American Wheelmen in 1893. At that time, not many women were part of the group. The LAW organization changed its rules in 1894 to only allow white members. However, in 1895, they made it clear that these new rules did not apply to people who were already members. This meant Kittie Knox's membership was safe.
Overcoming Challenges
Kittie kept racing even when things were tough. Sometimes, she was not allowed to join races. She also faced problems getting service at restaurants and hotels while traveling. Despite these challenges, Kittie was a very strong rider.
Racing Achievements
Kittie Knox won first place at a LAW meeting in Waltham, Massachusetts. She was also famous for her fashionable cycling clothes. People often talked about her appearance and wardrobe, which was different from how they talked about male cyclists. Kittie was a powerful cyclist. She took part in and finished several century rides, which are long bike rides of 100 miles (about 160 kilometers).
Her Life Story
Kittie Knox was born in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her mother, Katherine Towle, was a white woman from East Parsonfield, Maine who worked in a mill. Her father, John Knox, was a black man from Philadelphia who worked as a tailor.
Family and Work
In the 1880s, Kittie's family moved to Boston. Kittie worked as a seamstress and made dresses. She had one brother named Ernest Knox.
Her Passing and Memorial
Kittie Knox passed away in 1900 from kidney disease. She was buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in a public area. On September 29, 2013, her family placed a headstone for her.
Lasting Legacy
In 2019, the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts honored Kittie Knox. They named a bike path after her, called the Kittie Knox Bike Path. This path connects Broadway and Binney Street in Cambridge.
See also
In Spanish: Kittie Knox para niños
