State Web Site

HENRY L. FUQUA was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on November 8, 1865. His education was attained at the Magruder's Collegiate Institute and at Louisiana State University. After working in the engineering and hardware industry, he established his own business, the Fuqua Hardware Company. From 1916 to 1924, he served as the warden of the Louisiana State Prison at Angola. Fuqua entered politics in 1924, winning the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. He was elected governor by a popular vote on April 22, 1924, and was sworn into office on May 19, 1924. During his tenure, problems resulting from the Ku Klux Klan were addressed. Anti Klan legislation was sanctioned that secured harsh penalties for anyone wearing a mask or anyone committing a crime while masked. Also, additional funding was awarded to Louisiana State University, road and highway improvements were expanded, and a toll bridge was scheduled for construction. While still in office, Governor Henry L. Fuqua passed away on October 11, 1926. He was buried at the Roselawn Memorial Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Sources:

Dawson III, Joseph G. The Louisiana Governors: From Iberville to Edwards. Baton Rouge: Lousiana State University Press, 1990.

Louisiana Secretary of State: The Governors of Louisiana

The Political Graveyard

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.