Henry Huntly Haight: Biography, Facts and Career

Henry Huntly Haight (May 20, 1825 – September 2, 1878) was an American lawyer and politician. He was the tenth governor of California from December 5, 1867, to December 8, 1871. Born in Rochester, New York, Haight graduated with honors from Yale University in 1844 and went on to practice law. He was initially a Republican and led Abraham Lincoln's campaign in California, but switched to the Democratic Party in 1863 following the Emancipation Proclamation. Haight was elected governor in 1867 on a platform strongly opposing Reconstruction and opposing the extension of voting rights to non-white residents of California. As governor, he declined to transmit the 14th Amendment to the state legislature and actively opposed ratification of the 15th Amendment. He is also credited with signing the legislation creating the University of California and ending state subsidies to railroads. He lost his bid for reelection in 1871. After leaving office, Haight returned to Alameda, California, where he served on the City Board of Trustees and the UC Board of Regents. He died on September 2, 1878, in San Francisco, California. His legacy has been the subject of public debate, resulting in the 2019 renaming of Haight Elementary School in Alameda to Love Elementary School.

Quick facts about Henry Huntly Haight

• Full name: Henry Huntly Haight
• Born: 1825-05-20
• Nationality: United States
• Known as: Author
• Wikidata ID: Q256181

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