Robert Byrd

Robert Carlyle Byrd (born Cornelius Calvin Sale Jr.; November 20, 1917 – June 28, 2010) was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from West Virginia for over 51 years, from 1959 until his death in 2010. A member of the Democratic Party, Byrd previously served in the West Virginia House of Delegates from 1947 to 1950 and the West Virginia State Senate from 1950 to 1952.

Early Life and Education

Robert Byrd was born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, as Cornelius Calvin Sale Jr. His mother died in the 1918 flu pandemic, and his father subsequently sent him to live with his aunt and uncle, Vlurma and Titus Byrd, who adopted him and changed his name to Robert Carlyle Byrd. Byrd grew up in the coal-mining region of southern West Virginia and graduated as valedictorian of his high school class.

Political Career

Byrd's political career began in the West Virginia House of Delegates, where he served from 1947 to 1950. He then moved to the West Virginia State Senate, serving from 1950 to 1952. In 1952, Byrd was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served until 1959. He was then elected to the United States Senate, where he served from 1959 until his death in 2010.

Throughout his tenure, Byrd became known for his mastery of the Senate's rules and his advocacy for the interests of West Virginia. He held several key leadership positions, including Senate Majority Whip from 1971 to 1977, Senate Majority Leader from 1977 to 1981 and 1987 to 1989, and Senate Minority Leader from 1981 to 1987. Byrd was also the President pro tempore of the Senate four times, and he chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee for many years.

Controversies

Byrd's early political career was marked by his involvement with the Ku Klux Klan during the early 1940s, an affiliation he later said he regretted and for which he expressed apologies. His legislative record initially reflected segregationist views, although he later supported civil rights measures including the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

Legacy and Death

Byrd's legacy includes significant contributions to the infrastructure and institutions of West Virginia, facilitated by his positions on various appropriations committees. He was instrumental in directing federal funds to his state for economic development projects, educational institutions, and health care facilities.

Robert Byrd died on June 28, 2010, and was buried in Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His death marked the end of an era in West Virginia politics and in the Senate, where he was the longest-serving member in history.

See Also

• History of West Virginia
• United States Senate
• Democratic Party (United States)