After Minutemen from the town of Pepperell marched to war during the American Revolution, a small band of remaining citizens took it upon themselves to guard the town's bridge. Their resourcefulness proved fruitful, because when two British spies attempted to cross, they never expected to be ambushed by the ragtag group -- and they certainly never expected the group to be composed of women.

The story of Prudence Cummings Wright, who gathered other local women to defend their town and captured British spies in the process, is just one example of countless extraordinary women who lived, and live right here in our own backyard.

March was Women's History Month, a time each year to reflect on the immense contributions women have made to the evolution and success of our great nation. From war heroes, scientists and conservationists; to artists, athletes and writers; to politicians, astronauts and civil rights leaders -- on every page of America's history are great women at the forefront of progress. And so many of them are from Massachusetts' 3rd District.

There is no doubt that the actions and contributions of 3rd District women have changed history.

The bravery of the Lowell Mill girls allowed women to enter the workforce during the Industrial Revolution, while in Lawrence women and young girls took a leading role protesting for fair wages and inhumane conditions in the Bread and Roses Strike of 1912.

Edith Nourse Rogers became the first woman elected to Congress from New England and served for 35 years representing this region. During her time in Congress she played a key role in crafting the original GI bill, which has provided much-needed benefits to countless American service members.

Abolitionist Lucy Stone was the first woman to graduate from college in Massachusetts and gave her first major speech from the pulpit of her brother's congregation in Gardner in 1847. She worked alongside historical figures William Lloyd Garrison and Susan B. Anthony.

Groundbreaking artists hail from the region. The iconic Bette Davis, from Lowell, made nearly 100 film appearances, performed in Broadway plays, and became the first woman president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Works by the painter Eleanor Norcross, from Fitchburg, can still be found on display throughout Massachusetts, and funding she left behind was used to found the Fitchburg Art Museum. Writers abound, from Concord's Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to "Little Women" author Louisa May Alcott. Alcott now shares Author's Ridge at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord with other literary giants Thoreau, Hawthorne and Emerson.

The 3rd District has seen Olympians (both summer and winter), comedians and world-renowned chemists emerge from its communities. Other local women have spent their lives working to protect the region's rich natural and cultural treasures, like champion of rivers and conservation Marion Stoddart and champion of the arts and founder of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre Nancy Donahue.

There is certainly no shortage of women throughout Massachusetts' history who deserve recognition for their immense contributions not only locally but to the nation and beyond. And the next generation of 3rd District women is not slowing down. Take Carissa Yip of Andover, for example, the youngest female master chess player in the United States.

During Women's History Month I had the honor to meet many of the 3rd District's young women leaders. I spoke at two events, the first ever LeadHERship Conference at Fitchburg State University, and the All Girl Challenge hosted by local company Red Hat. Both events highlighted an up-and-coming generation of women leaders, encouraged young women to get involved and aimed to empower them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in college, the workplace and beyond.

History has shown, when women assume positions of leadership they are able to draw more attention to issues that affect women and families as a whole. Despite the progress that has been made for equality in our country, much more work needs to be done. Equal pay for equal work, paid sick leave, increased minimum wage, affordable childcare, increased job and education opportunities -- these are all areas where we still lack progress, and all areas where women leaders can make a lasting difference.

The 3rd District's rich tradition of women leaders is motivation for the next generation to take risks, lean in and engage in community and public service.

Women's History Month may have ended, but the pioneering spirit of all the 3rd District's historic women remains alive and thriving.

U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, D-Lowell, represents Massachusetts' 3rd District in Congress.