Hulett C. Smith, American lieutenant and politician, 27th Governor of West Virginia (b. 1918)

Hulett Carlson Smith: A Leader During West Virginia's Transformative Years

Hulett Carlson Smith, born on October 21, 1918, and passing away on January 15, 2012, was a distinguished American politician and public servant from West Virginia. He is primarily recognized for his impactful tenure as the 27th Governor of the Mountain State, serving a four-year term from 1965 to 1969. His governorship was a pivotal period for West Virginia, marked by significant national policy shifts and a determined push for modernization within the state.

Early Life and Political Ascent

A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Hulett C. Smith, often simply known as Hulett Smith, was immersed in public service from a young age due to his father, Joe L. Smith, who served as West Virginia's Secretary of State. Prior to his gubernatorial victory, Hulett Smith gained valuable experience and public recognition through various roles. He served as a presidential elector in 1944, demonstrating his early involvement in national politics. His most significant statewide position before becoming governor was as the West Virginia State Auditor, a role he held from 1957 to 1961. This background provided him with a deep understanding of state finance and administration, preparing him for the challenges of leading West Virginia.

Gubernatorial Term (1965-1969): Navigating Change and Progress

Governor Hulett C. Smith's time in office coincided with a transformative era in American history, particularly the implementation of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" programs and the nationwide "War on Poverty." West Virginia, grappling with historical economic challenges rooted in its reliance on the coal industry, became a key focus for these federal initiatives. Smith’s administration actively engaged with and leveraged these programs to benefit the state.

Key achievements and focuses during his governorship included:

• Economic Diversification: Recognizing the need to lessen the state's dependence on coal, Smith championed efforts to attract new industries and diversify West Virginia's economy. He worked to create a more favorable business climate to foster long-term growth.
• Education Reform: A strong advocate for improving educational opportunities, Governor Smith oversaw significant reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of public education across the state. These initiatives sought to equip West Virginia's youth with the skills needed for a changing economy.
• Infrastructure Development: He pushed for the expansion and improvement of West Virginia's highway system, understanding that modern infrastructure was crucial for economic development and connecting rural communities.
• Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC): Governor Smith was a staunch supporter and instrumental in the early work of the Appalachian Regional Commission, an innovative federal-state partnership established in 1965. The ARC aimed to address persistent poverty and underdevelopment in the thirteen-state Appalachian region, with West Virginia being a central beneficiary of its programs for infrastructure, education, and economic growth.
• Modernizing State Government: Smith's administration focused on streamlining state operations and implementing modern management practices, aiming for greater efficiency and transparency in government.

His governorship laid foundational groundwork for future progress, establishing programs and policies that continued to benefit West Virginia in the decades that followed.

Post-Governorship and Legacy

Following his single term as governor, Hulett C. Smith remained an influential figure in West Virginia politics and business. He continued to be involved in various public and private sector endeavors, always maintaining a keen interest in the welfare and development of his home state. His legacy is one of a forward-thinking leader who guided West Virginia through a crucial period of social and economic transition, effectively harnessing federal resources to address deeply entrenched issues and setting the state on a path toward modernization and diversification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Governor Hulett C. Smith

When did Hulett Carlson Smith serve as Governor of West Virginia?

Hulett Carlson Smith served as the 27th Governor of West Virginia from 1965 to 1969.

What political party did Hulett C. Smith belong to?

Hulett C. Smith was a member of the Democratic Party.

What significant national initiative coincided with Governor Smith's term?

His governorship coincided with President Lyndon B. Johnson's nationwide "War on Poverty" and the establishment of the "Great Society" programs, which significantly impacted West Virginia.

What were some of Governor Smith's key achievements?

Key achievements included efforts towards economic diversification, significant education reforms, infrastructure development, and his instrumental role in leveraging the resources of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for West Virginia.

What role did Hulett C. Smith hold before becoming Governor?

Prior to his governorship, Hulett C. Smith served as the West Virginia State Auditor from 1957 to 1961.