Henry Styles Bridges

Republican Senator of New Hampshire

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1898 (63 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1961

Death

Served as the 63rd governor of New Hampshire and later as a U.S. senator for 24 years.
Became the youngest governor in the United States at the time of his election in 1934.
Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1936 and served until his death in 1961.
Held several significant leadership positions in the Senate, including Senate Minority Leader and President pro tempore.
Chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Joint Committee on Inaugural Arrangements for President Dwight Eisenhower’s inaugurations.
Known for his conservative stance and opposition to civil rights legislation, voting present on the Civil Rights Act of 1957 and supporting the Civil Rights Act of 1960.
Associated with controversial figures such as Senator Joseph McCarthy, defending him during censure proceedings.
Involved in a scandal related to the harassment of Senator Lester Hunt, which contributed to Hunt’s suicide.
Died of a heart attack in 1961 and was buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire.
Left a legacy that includes the naming of the “Bridges House” as the official residence for New Hampshire governors and the “Styles Bridges Room” in the U.S. Capitol.