Find Out the First Miss America Winner from Your State

BeBe Shopp made history as the first Miss Illinois to win Miss America, crowned in 1948. Born in Hopkins, Minnesota, she later moved to Illinois and captured attention with her talent on the vibraharp, a rare and striking instrument that set her apart from other contestants.

After her reign, Shopp embraced international travel and philanthropy, eventually becoming involved in religious and humanitarian work. Her unique path showed that Miss America could be a springboard to a life of cultural and global influence, not just national fame.