Kerr, Robert S. (Robert Samuel), United States Senator from Oklahoma (1949-1963); 12th Governor of Oklahoma (1943-1947), 1896-1963
Person
Biographical:
Oil man Robert S. Kerr (1896-1963) first held elective office when he became Oklahoma's governor in 1942. During the war years, he presided over a vigorous economic expansion and directed a remarkably efficient state administration. A year after leaving the governor's office, he was successful in his first attempt at the U.S. Senate in 1948. Kerr was reelected to two more terms. After he failed at winning the 1952 Democratic presidential nomination, Kerr thereafter devoted his energies to building his Senate career. Kerr served on several key committees, most notably the Finance and Public Works committees. He also forged alliances to key senators, such as Lyndon B. Johnson, who led the Democrats' Senate forces. A partner in Kerr-McGee Oil Industries, Kerr increasingly became known as a key champion of southwestern oil and gas interests. Of course, he did not hesitate to use his influence for Oklahoma's behalf. Millions of dollars were diverted to military and civilian projects in the state. Also, a series of water projects, dams, and an entire navigation system that links the Arkansas River to the oceans of the world are part of Kerr's legacy.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Robert S. Kerr Collection
Collection
Identifier: CAC-CC-031
Scope and Contents
The Kerr Collection consists of over 368 linear feet of materials, the majority of which includes materials generated during his years in the Senate, though the Gubernatorial series does relate to his years as Oklahoma’s governor. As a Senator, Kerr was involved in a variety of issues and reforms of national and state prominence including conservation projects, the development of the space program, Native Americans issues and concerns, healthcare insurance reform, and agriculture....