EXECUTIVE · MS · 1960-1964
Ross Barnett
Governor · Democrat · Mississippi
NOTABLE
On the record
Tried to block James Meredith from Ole Miss 1962 — federal marshals deployed
Background
Ross Robert Barnett (1898–1987) was Mississippi Governor 1960-1964. Tried to physically block James Meredith from enrolling at the University of Mississippi September 30, 1962 — required JFK to deploy 30,000 federal troops + U.S. marshals; the resulting riot killed 2 + injured 300+. Held in contempt of federal court 1962 (charges later dropped). One of the defining symbols of state-government resistance to federally ordered desegregation.
Curated bio from Officium's editorial pass.
From the article
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Primary sources
Others who held this office in Mississippi
- Tate Reeves (2020-present)
- Phil Bryant (2012-2020)
- Haley Barbour (2004-2012)
- Ronnie Musgrove (2000-2004)
- Kirk Fordice (1992-2000)
- Kirk Fordice (1992-2000)
- Ray Mabus (1988-1992)
- Bill Allain (1984-1988)
- William Winter (1980-1984)
- Cliff Finch (1976-1980)
- William Waller (1972-1976)
- John Bell Williams (1968-1972)
- Paul B. Johnson Jr. (1964-1968)
- James P. Coleman (1956-1960)
- Hugh White (1952-1956)
- Fielding L. Wright (1946-1952)