It began in 1921 as a gimmick to attract tourists to Atlantic City, New Jersey, at the end of the summer season.
Today, it is a national institution. Millions watch on television each year as the judges’ decision is announced, a winner is crowned, and a tearful but radiant young woman walks down the runway to the strains of a familiar song, “Here she is, Miss America…”
The first Miss America, Margaret Gorman was just 16 years old when she won the contest in 1921. In the early days, the contestants often represented cities rather than states. Not until 1959 was there a contestant from each state. Originally just a swimsuit contest, the pageant later added a talent contest and interviews designed to reveal the personalities and opinions of the women.
Beginning in 1945, winners received college scholarships along with other prizes. The pageant became a truly national even in 1954, when television first beamed the show across the country.
The Miss America Pageant has been criticized by people who feel that beauty contest are insulting to women. But supporters point out that the contest stresses intelligence and talent as well as beauty. And the pageant has survived the criticisims to win a lasting place in American popular culture.
The use of live animals in the Miss America talent competition was banned in 1940, afer Miss Montana and her horse almost fell off the stage.