Margaret Gorman (August 18, 1905 –
October 1, 1995)
was the first Miss America,
from the year 1921.
Born August 18, 1905
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Died October 1, 1995 (aged 90)
Bowie, Maryland, U.S.
Title Miss Washington, D.C.
Golden Mermaid Award
Miss America 1921
Successor Mary Campbell
Spouse(s) Victor Cahill

Margaret Gorman wins first prize at
Atlantic City; Gorman was a junior at
Western High School in Washington, D.C.
when her photo was entered into a
popularity contest at the Washington Herald.
She was chosen "Miss District of Columbia"
in 1921 at 16 on account of her athletic
ability, scholastic accomplishments and
outgoing personality. As a result of that victory,
she was invited to join the Second Annual
Atlantic City Pageant held on September 8, 1921,
as an honored guest; There she was invited
to join a new event: the "Inter-City Beauty"
Contest. She won the titles "Inter-City Beauty,
Amateur" and "The Most Beautiful Bathing
Girl in America" after competing in the Bather's
*****. She won the grand prize, the Golden
Mermaid trophy. She was expected to defend
her positions the next year but someone else
[who?] had attained the title of "Miss Washington, D.C.",
so instead Margaret was crowned "Miss America."

She still owned the sea green chiffon and
sequined dress that she wore in the 1922 competition.
Gorman continued to compete in 1922
and was a favorite of the crowds. A few years later,
she married Victor Cahill and was happily married
until he died in 1957. She lived all her life in D.C.,
became somewhat of a socialite and enjoyed traveling.
She died on October 1, 1995, age 90.