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Long History of Leadership | Sportsman’s
Paradise
A Long History of Leadership
When people think
of Louisiana, many think of New Orleans and its Mardi Gras,
many think of the Cajuns and their food, and others think
of Louisiana’s famous politicians. And when they think
about Louisiana politics, what comes to mind? Well Winnfield,
of course! (And if it doesn’t – it should!)
You see, Winnfield is the birthplace of politics in Louisiana
for it is the home of three governors – Huey P. Long,
Earl K. Long, and Oscar K. Allen.
Huey P. Long, also
known as the Kingfish, was born in 1893. He was first elected
Railroad Commissioner in 1918. After serving as Governor
from 1928 until 1932, he became a United States Senator.
Huey Long was actually Governor and Senator at the same
time. He is credited as being the originator of the populist
movement with the creed “Every Man a King,”
also known as his “Share the Wealth” plan. Many
feel that he would have challenged Franklin F. Roosevelt
for the White House. Huey P. Long was assassinated in 1935
at the state capitol that he is credited with building.
View a QuickTime movie
of Huey Long's famous political speech, “Hi-Poppa-Lowerum.”
Oscar K. Allen was
born in 1882 and elected governor in 1932. “O.K.,”
as he was known, loaned Huey P. Long $500 for Long to finance
his first political campaign in 1921. Allen served as Chairman
of the Louisiana Highway Commission and was elected to the
State Senate in 1928. Allen was elected to the United States
Senate after the death of Huey P. Long, but died before
taking office.
Earl K. Long, Huey’s
brother, was born in 1895. He has the distinction of holding
more state jobs than any other Louisiana native. “Uncle
Earl,” as he was better known, was elected governor
in 1939, 1948 and again in 1958. He was elected to the United
States Congress in 1960, but died 10 days after his victory.
Earl was known for
his down-home ways and for his love of hog hunting. The
annual Uncle Earl’s
Hog Dog Trials are held the forth weekend of March in
Winnfield. This is the largest Hog Dog competition in the
world.
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