Learn About The 50 States
Herbert Hoover (1874)close
Born in West Branch, Iowa, and the son of a Quaker blacksmith, Herbert Hoover became the 31st President of the US. After attending Stanford University, Hoover traveled abroad, and after the outbreak of World War I, he was asked to assist the US government in getting Americans abroad safely home. This led to his appointment by President Wilson to head the Food Administration. His humanitarian work after the War influenced Presidents Harding and Coolidge to appoint him Secretary of Commerce. He became a candidate for President at the time of the stock market crash in 1928, and his experience in the government contributed to his election. Unfortunately, his enemies blamed the repercussions of the crash on him, and he was defeated in the next election. He died at age 90 in New York City.
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Looking for a famous American?
This page presents short biographies of more than 200 famous Americans drawn from our unit, "The 50 States." These personalities are arranged by theme.
Just click a theme at the top of the page to view a selection list for that theme.
African Americans:
Artists:
Business Leaders:
National "Characters":
| Phineas Taylor "P.T." Barnum | Clyde Barrow | John Wilkes Booth |
| Butch Cassidy | William "Buffalo Bill" Cody | Davy Crockett |
| Jesse James | Evel Knievel | Harland David "Colonel" Sanders |
| Jefferson R. "Soapy" Smith |
Cultural Figures:
Inventors:
Pioneers and "Firsts":
Politicians & Activists:
Scientists:
Sports Figures:
Accomplished Women:
Writers & Poets: