John Hollis Bankhead

Democrat Senator of Alabama

Congresses Served

House Terms

Senate Terms

September 13, 1842 (77 years old)

Birthday

March 1, 1920

Death

Served as a U.S. Senator from Alabama from 1907 until his death in 1920.
Previously held positions in the U.S. House of Representatives, Alabama Legislature, and as warden of the state penitentiary.
Participated in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, achieving the rank of captain.
Instrumental in the enactment of the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916, the first federal highway funding legislation.
Opposed the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
Managed the campaign for Oscar Underwood’s presidential candidacy in 1912.
Authored several books related to post roads.
His legacy includes the naming of the Bankhead Highway, Bankhead Lake, and the Bankhead Tunnel in Alabama.
Family includes notable descendants, such as a U.S. Senator and a Speaker of the House, as well as an actress.