T. Walter Bickett
Monroe, Union County, North Carolina
Marker Inscription
T. Walter Bickett. Governor, 1917-21, first in state nominated by a Democratic primary. N.C. Attorney General, state legislator. Birthplace was 50 ft. north.
Erected by North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
The Story
Thomas Walter Bickett served as governor of North Carolina from 1917 to 1921 and was the first person nominated for that office by a Democratic primary rather than a party convention. He had earlier served as attorney general and in the legislature. His administration, spanning the World War I years, is remembered for advances in public education and social welfare. His birthplace stood just north of this Monroe marker.
Why it matters
Bickett's rise by primary election marked the Progressive-era push to make North Carolina politics more directly answerable to voters.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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