Annie Londonderry, whose birth name was Annie Cohen Kopchovsky, was a Latvian-born American woman who gained fame in the late 19th century for undertaking a bicycle journey around the world. She became one of the first women to complete such a long-distance cycling tour, and her adventure captured the imagination of people during a time when women’s roles were evolving.

Key points about Annie Londonderry:

1. Early Life: Annie Cohen Kopchovsky was born in Riga, Latvia, in 1870. She immigrated to the United States with her family in the early 1880s, settling in Boston.
2. Bicycle Challenge: In 1894, a wager was made among a group of men in Boston that no woman could bicycle around the world and earn $5,000 in 15 months while documenting her journey. Annie, a mother of three at the time, took up the challenge.
3. Bicycle Journey: In June 1894, Annie set off on her bicycle journey, starting from Boston. She adopted the name “Annie Londonderry” as part of a sponsorship arrangement with the Londonderry Lithia Spring Water Company.
4. Sponsorship: To finance her journey, Londonderry carried advertising placards on her bicycle promoting various products, including Londonderry Lithia Spring Water. She also earned money through speaking engagements and selling promotional photographs.
5. Route: Annie traveled across the United States, making stops in major cities, and then sailed to Europe. Her route included countries such as France, Italy, Palestine, and parts of Asia. She covered much of her journey on a 42-pound Columbia women’s bicycle.
6. Challenges: Londonderry faced numerous challenges during her journey, including cultural differences, language barriers, and the physical demands of long-distance cycling. At times, she relied on the assistance of local cyclists and supporters.
7. Publicity and Controversy: Annie Londonderry’s journey attracted significant publicity and attention from the media. However, there were also controversies and skepticism about the authenticity of her journey. Some critics questioned whether she had truly cycled the entire distance.
8. Completion of the Journey: Annie Londonderry completed her around-the-world bicycle journey in September 1895, arriving back in Boston. She successfully met the conditions of the wager by earning $5,000 and challenging societal norms about women’s capabilities.
9. Later Years: After her journey, Londonderry continued to lead an adventurous life. She worked as a journalist, wrote for various publications, and shared her experiences in lectures. She also took up other ventures, including running a travel agency.
10. Legacy: Annie Londonderry’s journey contributed to changing perceptions about women’s abilities and the possibilities for female adventurers. Her story inspired future generations of women to pursue unconventional paths and challenge societal expectations.

Annie Londonderry’s bold bicycle journey around the world marked a significant moment in the history of women’s achievements and demonstrated the power of individual determination. Her legacy continues to be celebrated as an early example of a woman breaking barriers and embracing adventure.