Henry Luse Fuqua 1924-1926

Born: November 8, 1865 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Religious Affiliation: Episcopalian
Education: Magruder's Collegiate Institute and LSU
Career Prior to Term: General Manger of the Louisiana State Prison at Angola
How He Became Governor: Elected in 1924
Career after Term: Died in office
Died: October 11, 1926; buried in Baton Rouge

Henry Fuqua brought considerable managerial skill to the office of Governor, but his lack of political expertise hampered his efforts during his short term.

Fuqua pushed through the anti-Klan legislation begun during Governor Parker's term and increased the budget for LSU for more construction on the new campus.

He ran into trouble when he awarded the franchise to build a toll bridge from east New Orleans to Slidell across Lake Pontchartrain to a private firm, the Watson-Williams syndicate, represented by former Governor J. Y. Sanders. Huey Long would use this controversial decision in his campaign for Governor in 1928.

Fuqua did not live to seek another term. He died in office on October 11, 1926. He was the last Governor to win office on the strength of the New Orleans Choctaw Club political machine.

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