Fillmore County’s First Female Doctor

In an era when women were rarely seen in medical roles, Isabel Minerva Albro carved out a quiet legacy in southeastern Minnesota. Born in 1814 in New York and later settling in Fillmore County, Isabel defied expectations by practicing medicine at a time when few women were formally trained—and even fewer were recognized.

In this episode, Lenora and Preston explore the life and legacy of Dr. Albro, tracing her journey from early frontier life to her final years in Forestville Township. Along the way, they examine the challenges faced by women in medicine during the 19th century and the ways Isabel’s story reflects both resilience and quiet revolution.