Ernest Gruening

About

7th Governor of Alaska from 1939 to 1953 who is known as 'The father of Alaska statehood' because he guided the state from its territory days into the union. He also represented his state in the Senate from 1959 to 1969.

Before Fame

After an early career as a journalist, he entered politics, working in far-flung American territories in Puerto Rico and Alaska.

Trivia

He was a member of the Alaska International Highway Commission, helping to make the state's interior more navigable, and served as its governor for three consecutive terms.

Family Life

He was born in New York City.

Associated With

In Congress he was one of only three senators voting against the Gulf of Tonkin resolution to give President Lyndon B. Johnson authorization to wage war in Southeast Asia.