Jump to Content

Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
William Gibbs McAdoo Papers: Finding Aid
mssMcAdoo papers  
View entire collection guide What's This?
Search this collection
Collection Overview
 
Table of contents What's This?
Description
This collection consists of papers related to the life and political career of American lawyer and politician William Gibbs McAdoo (1863-1941). Much of the correspondence deals with McAdoo's public appearances and engagements as a United States senator from California and also his failed attempt at re-election in 1938.
Background
William Gibbs McAdoo (1863-1941) was born in Marietta, Georgia, on 31 October 1863 to Mary Faith (Floyd) McAdoo and William Gibbs McAdoo. He was a practicing lawyer in both Chattanooga, Tennessee and New York City after passing the bar in 1885. William Gibbs McAdoo developed and oversaw the construction of the Hudson River Tunnels, acting as president of the company which operated them from 1902-1913. He served as vice chairman for the Democratic National Committee in 1912 and as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention in the years 1912, 1932, and 1936. McAdoo was also a member of President Woodrow Wilson's cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury from March 1913 to December 1918. He was Director-General of the United States Railroads during World War I from December 1917 to January 1919. One interesting fact about McAdoo that is little known is that he was the leading candidate for the Presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention in 1920. He was a United States senator from California from 1933 until his resignation in 1936. He was then an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1938.
Extent
12 boxes, 1 oversize folder, 3 oversize volumes.
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.