Alabama Governor

George C. Wallace | Biography

45th governor of Alabama

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : March 10, 2025

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Who is George C. Wallace?

George C. Wallace, born on August 25, 1919, in Clio, Alabama, served four terms as the governor of Alabama and made three notable bids for the U.S. presidency. His political career, marked by a strong advocacy for racial segregation during the 1960s, began after he earned a law degree from the University of Alabama and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Wallace started in local politics, where he gained a reputation as a tough judge before running for governor. His infamous inaugural speech declaring "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever," solidified his contentious legacy.

Wallace's governorship was defined by his resistance to school integration, most famously exemplified by his 1963 attempt to block Black students from enrolling at the University of Alabama. Despite losing his initial gubernatorial bid in 1958, he later won the office in 1962 with a platform that resonated with white Southerners. Throughout his political career, including his presidential campaigns in 1968, 1972, and 1976, Wallace maintained his controversial positions, though he faced personal trials, including an assassination attempt that left him paralyzed. He later sought to soften his legacy, attempting to redefine himself politically before his death on September 13, 1998, in Montgomery, Alabama.

Early Life and Education

George Corley Wallace Jr. was born on August 25, 1919, in Clio, Alabama. Growing up in a farming family, his father, George Corley Sr., cultivated crops while his mother, Mozelle Smith Wallace, had a challenging upbringing in an orphanage. As a child, Wallace found an outlet in boxing, earning two Golden Gloves state titles during his time at Barbour County High School. His determination and competitive spirit were evident early on, and at just 15 years old, he served as a legislative page at the Alabama State Capitol, which would foreshadow his future in politics.

In 1937, Wallace enrolled at the University of Alabama School of Law, where he pursued his passion for justice and governance. He dedicated himself to his studies, culminating in his graduation with a law degree in 1942. This foundation in law provided him with the skills necessary to navigate the political landscape in Alabama. Following his education, Wallace served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, participating in multiple bombing missions over Japan before returning to Alabama to begin his political career.

Military Service and Local Government

After graduating from law school in 1942, George C. Wallace enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served with distinction during World War II. His military career included flying numerous bombing missions over Japan in 1945, and due to a medical disability, he was later discharged. This experience not only instilled in him a sense of discipline but also provided a pathway for him to later engage in public service and politics.

Returning to Alabama after the war, Wallace began to navigate the political landscape, initially taking on the role of an assistant to the state attorney general in 1946. He quickly transitioned to electoral politics when he was elected to the Alabama State Legislature in 1947, where he served two terms. In 1953, he was elected as a judge in the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama, earning the nickname "The Fighting Little Judge" for his vigorous and determined approach. This early experience in law and local government set the stage for his later rise as a prominent political figure in Alabama.

Governor of Alabama

George C. Wallace served as the Governor of Alabama across four non-consecutive terms, making him the only person to achieve this feat in the state's history. He first entered the governorship in 1963, running on a platform that prominently featured racial segregation and states' rights. His infamous inaugural speech declared, “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever,” encapsulating his staunch defense of segregationist policies. Wallace's actions during this period, particularly his stand in the schoolhouse door to block the enrollment of two Black students at the University of Alabama, solidified his image as a leading figure of the segregationist movement in the South during the Civil Rights era.

Following his first term, Wallace's political journey continued in a unique fashion, propelled by both triumphs and personal tragedy. After his wife, Lurleen Burns, won the governorship in 1966 as a proxy for him, he returned to office himself in 1970. Throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, Wallace shifted his focus toward improving the state’s infrastructure, economy, and public services, a change that garnered him some support from Black voters, despite his notorious past. He ultimately completed his governorship in 1987, leaving behind a complex legacy that reflects the tumultuous history of race relations in Alabama and the United States at large.

Presidential Campaigns

George C. Wallace's presidential aspirations were marked by three significant campaigns that reflected his controversial political persona. In 1968, he ran as an Independent candidate, primarily garnering support from white, working-class Southerners who resonated with his staunch segregationist platform. Wallace's campaign tapped into the sentiments of those disillusioned by the social changes of the era, positioning him as a defender of traditional Southern values. His rhetoric appealed strongly to voters concerned about civil rights advancements, showcasing his ability to mobilize a base focused on states' rights and racial segregation.

The most notable and tragic event during Wallace's political journey occurred in 1972 when he was shot by an assassin, Arthur Bremer, during his campaign for the Democratic nomination. The attack left him paralyzed from the waist down, yet Wallace's determination to continue his campaign demonstrated his resilience. Despite his physical limitations, he managed to participate actively in the election, but ultimately lost the nomination to George McGovern. Wallace's 1976 campaign marked his final bid for the presidency, where he sought the Democratic nomination once more but was defeated by fellow Southerner Jimmy Carter, illustrating the shifting political landscape in America.

Later Life and Death

George C. Wallace, after a tumultuous political career, sought to reshape his public persona in the late 1970s. Recognizing the damage his earlier stances on race had wrought, he began to modify his positions, claiming that many of his controversial statements had been misunderstood. To this end, he publicly apologized for his previous actions and sought to emphasize his populist approach to governance. This shift in viewpoint helped him garner support from an increasingly diverse electorate, including Black political organizations and voters, particularly during his final term as governor from 1983 to 1987, when he prioritized economic development and social progress for Alabama.

Despite his efforts towards reconciliation and improvement, Wallace's legacy remained complicated, as many viewed his past actions with skepticism. He retired from public office in January 1987, largely due to declining health, and spent the remaining years of his life reflecting on his controversial role in American politics. He passed away on September 13, 1998, in Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 79. Wallace's journey from staunch segregationist to a more conciliatory figure exemplifies the complexities of personal and political transformation amid a rapidly changing social landscape.

Personal Life: Married Three Times with Four Children

George C. Wallace had a complex personal life marked by three marriages and a total of four children. His first marriage was to Lurleen Burns in 1943, a partnership that lasted until her untimely death in 1968. Together, they had four children: George Jr., Lurleen, Bobbie, and John. Lurleen was not just his wife; she also served as the Alabama governor in his stead when he could not run for a second term due to the state constitution's restrictions, showcasing the intertwining of their personal and political lives.

After Lurleen's passing, Wallace remarried twice. His second wife, Cornelia Ellis Sniveley, whom he married in 1971, was a union that ended in divorce in 1978. He later tied the knot with Lisa Taylor in 1981, but this marriage also ended in divorce in 1987. Despite these marital challenges, Wallace remained focused on his political career and personal redemption, often reflecting on his past choices and relationships throughout his later life.

Net Worth and Earning: Political Career Earnings

George C. Wallace, an influential yet controversial figure in American politics, had a complex financial history throughout his career. Serving four terms as the Governor of Alabama, Wallace’s political career spanned from the 1960s to the 1980s. While specific figures regarding his net worth are not well-documented, it's important to recognize that his political endeavors allowed him to accumulate significant earnings through state salaries, campaign contributions, and other political activities. His gubernatorial salary increased with each term, alongside funds associated with his presidential campaigns, which also contributed to his financial standing.

Wallace’s earnings further extended beyond his political roles, mainly through his investments, endorsements, and speaking engagements, especially after his terms in office. Despite facing numerous controversies, including his staunch support for racial segregation, Wallace attempted to reshape his public image later in life, which might have allowed him to connect with broader audiences and increase his earnings. While his exact financial status at the time of his retirement in 1987 is unclear, Wallace's political career undoubtedly left him with substantial economic leverage, particularly in Alabama, where he remained a prominent figure until his passing in 1998.