Charles Curtis

CURTIS,_CHARLES._VICE_PRESIDENT_LCCN2016862357

Calvin_Coolidge,_Mrs._Coolidge_and_Senator_Curtis

Senators_Curtis_&_Lodge_LCCN2016822441

United_States_Indian_Band_with_Curtis,_(4-26-29)_LCCN2016843641

Vice_President_Curtis_receives_peace_pipe_from_Chief_Red_Tomahawk,_slayer_of_Sitting_Bull._Chief_Red_Tomahawk,_leader_of_the_Sioux_Nation_and_credited_with_having_killed_Sitting_Bull,_LCCN2016889332

Hot_weather_cabinet,_Vice_President_Curtis_LCCN2002712156_(cropped)

News-Week_Feb_17_1933,_vol1_issue1_(cropped)

Charles Curtis (January 25, 1860 – February 8, 1936) was an American attorney and politician, who served as the 31st Vice President of the United States from 1929 to 1933 under President Herbert Hoover. He was a member of the Republican Party and is notable for being the first person with significant Native American ancestry and the first person of color to serve as Vice President.

Early Life and Education

Charles Curtis was born in Topeka, Kansas, to Orren Curtis, a white man, and Ellen Papin, who was of Kaw, Osage, and Potawatomi heritage. Curtis was raised in both Native American and white cultures, spending part of his childhood on the Kaw reservation. He attended Topeka High School and later studied law, becoming a lawyer in 1881.

Political Career

Curtis began his political career in the Kansas House of Representatives, serving from 1893 to 1897. He was then elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served from 1893 to 1907. Curtis was subsequently elected to the United States Senate, serving from 1907 to 1913 and again from 1915 to 1929. During his time in the Senate, he held the position of Senate Majority Leader from 1924 to 1929.

Vice Presidency

In 1928, Curtis was selected as the running mate for Herbert Hoover in the presidential election. The Hoover-Curtis ticket won, and Curtis served as Vice President from 1929 to 1933. His tenure was marked by the onset of the Great Depression, and he was involved in various legislative efforts to address the economic crisis.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office, Curtis returned to practicing law in Washington, D.C. He remained active in politics and public service until his death in 1936. Curtis is remembered for his contributions to American politics and his unique heritage, which brought diversity to the highest levels of government.

Related Pages

• Herbert Hoover
• Vice President of the United States
• Republican Party (United States)
• Great Depression
• Kansas House of Representatives
• United States Senate
• Senate Majority Leader