Career
She was a state librarian in New Mexico, and in 1912 William C. McDonald the governor of New Mexico claimed that women were unqualified to hold office under the constitution and laws of New Mexico, and tried to replace Dolores by using a court order. He wanted to replace her with a male friend to whom he owed a political favor. In response, Dolores filed a lawsuit with the New Mexico Supreme Court.
The court ruled in her favor, allowing her to keep her position, and subsequent legislation gave women the right to hold appointed offices in New Mexico.
Dolores was the first woman and first Hispanic woman to serve in a statewide capacity in New Mexico. Her father, José Francisco Chaves, was a Republican political leader in the New Mexico Territory.
A New Mexico Historic Women Marker that describes her lawsuit was erected by the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division at some time after 2005. lieutenant is at 35° 12.043′ North, 106° 30.864′ West. near Albuquerque, New Mexico, in Bernalillo County.
lieutenant is on Tramway Road North-East (New Mexico Route 556 at milepost 56), half a mile west of Federal Route 333, on the right when traveling east, and in the post office area of Albuquerque New Mexico 87122, United States of America.
The marker is inscribed on its front as follows:
"Doña Dolores "Lola" Chávez de Armijo
(1858-1929)
In 1912, State Librarian Lola Chávez de Armijo filed a gender discrimination law suit after the governor sought to replace her by court order, claiming that as a woman, she was unqualified to hold office under the constitution and laws of New Mexico. The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled in her favor and legislation followed, thereafter allowing women to hold appointed office."
The marker is inscribed on its back as follows, "New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative". The Initiative ensures that women"s diverse histories will be remembered and told, and will inspire and provide a guide for future generations.
The 2006 Legislature funded the project".
