Huey Pierce Long

Huey Long, "The Kingfish," was born in Winnfield, Louisiana, on August 30, 1893, to a poor farm family of strong religious convictions. He attended the local public schools. At the age of 16 he was on his own as a door-to-door salesman. He studied law for six months at the University of Oklahoma in 1912; he later finished the course at Tulane University and was admitted to the bar in 1915.

• An energetic campaigner, Long became popular for his grassroots oratory.
• He was elected governor in 1928, campaigning on a platform of free schoolbooks, paved roads, and improved hospitals.
• As governor he enlarged the state university at Baton Rouge to accommodate more students.
• His rise to power during the Depression years capitalized on the people's needs.
• His bold use of authority and state funds nearly led to his impeachment in 1929, but proceedings collapsed in the state senate.
• Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1930, he did not take his seat until January 1932. His proposed "Share Our Wealth" program, which promised every family $5000 and the confiscation of large estates, made him a presidential prospect for 1936.
• At the height of his power, while visiting the state house in Baton Rouge, Long was assassinated.
• He died on September 10, 1935, and is buried on the grounds of the state capitol.