Kerr, 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 179 Collections and/or Records:

Invitation to Rededication Ceremony of Fels Planetarium at The Franklin Institute, 1961-01-01 - 1962-12-31

Item — Box 12: Series CAC_CC_31_6_0000_0000_0000, Folder: 1

Identifier: CAC_CC_31_6_12_1_0059

Abstract

87th (1961-1963)

Dates: 1961-01-01 - 1962-12-31

Found in: Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections / Robert S. Kerr Collection / Topical / National Defense: Aero and Space Exploration

Invitation to Speak at Oklahoma Christian College, 1959-11-09

Item — Box 17: Series CAC_CC_31_10_0000_0000_0000, Folder: 7

Identifier: CAC_CC_31_10_17_7_0030

Abstract

86th Congress (1959-1961)

Dates: 1959-11-09

Found in: Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections / Robert S. Kerr Collection / Addition / Correspondence, Bab -Bal

Robert S. Kerr Collection

Collection

Identifier: CAC-CC-031

Scope and Contents The Kerr Collection mainly consists of materials generated during the Senate years. However, there are several cubic feet of documents that relate to his years as Oklahoma's governor. Because of Kerr's devotion to conservation work, there is a significant amount of documentation on both Oklahoma and non-Oklahoma projects. As with so many of Oklahoma's lawmakers, there is a large amount of material regarding agriculture and Native Americans. Finally one of the most valuable parts of the...

Dates: 1871-1970; Majority of material found in 1931-1962

Found in: Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections