Mrs. America remains the first, and still the foremost competition for married women. The Mrs. America pageant is the longest standing beauty pageant for married women. Established in 1938, Mrs. America was created to celebrate married women throughout the United States. In 1984, the Mrs. World pageant was added, offering the opportunity to women everywhere. Contestants representing all 50 states, including the District of Colombia, compete in the national pageant after winning their state’s title. Ohio last captured the national crown in 1996.