From 1934 through at least 1966 it was held in conjunction with the annual U.S. Open Chess Championship.
From 1951 through 1978, with the exception of 1954, the women played in the U.S. Open with the title U.S. Women's Open Champion being awarded to the woman with the highest score.
That year the event was held again with sixteen players in a six-round tournament, in conjunction with the U.S. Senior Open Chess Championship and two other tournaments.
Chess Life incorrectly called it the first U.S. Women's Open Championship.
The highest-placing US citizen qualified for the U.S. Women's Chess Championship.