Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States
Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States
Herbert Hoover was born 151 years ago today, on August 10, 1874, in West Branch, Iowa. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by relatives in Oregon and developed a strong work ethic early in life. He studied geology at Stanford University and was part of the university’s inaugural class in 1891.
Before becoming president, Hoover built a successful career as a mining engineer and humanitarian. He gained international recognition for organizing relief efforts during World War I, delivering food to millions across war-torn Europe. Later, he served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce under Presidents Harding and Coolidge, where he promoted innovation and economic efficiency.
Hoover became president in 1929, just months before the stock market crash that triggered the Great Depression. Though he launched several public works programs and advocated for voluntary business reforms, economic recovery remained elusive during his term. His efforts to manage the crisis laid the groundwork for future federal responses to national emergencies.
- Herbert Hoover married Lou Henry in 1899, and they had two sons, Herbert Jr. and Allan. Lou shared Hoover’s passion for humanitarian work and spoke multiple languages.
- Hoover was the first president born west of the Mississippi River and the first to have a telephone installed on his desk in the Oval Office.
- The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is located in West Branch, Iowa, near his birthplace. The library holds thousands of documents, photographs, and personal artifacts, and is part of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.
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