Locke Craig

Locke Craig (August 16, 1860 – June 9, 1924) was the 53rd Governor of the U.S. state of North Carolina from 1913 to 1917.

Craig was born in Bertie County, North Carolina on August 16, 1860. He graduated from University of North Carolina in 1880. He studied law, and established a successful legal career, serving as county attorney and the Asheville city corporation counsel. Craig was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1899 and again in 1901. While a member of the North Carolina State House, Craig worked on the constitutional amendment that would effectively disfranchise African American voters. Craig twice failed in attempts at higher office, losing in a bid for his party's nomination for the U.S. Senate and the North Carolina governorship. Finally winning the Democratic nomination, he was elected governor in the 1912 general election. During his time as governor, a highway commission was formed; conservation policies were sanctioned; the state park system was improved; and fishing regulations were approved. Craig also oversaw improvements in western North Carolina. After completing his term, Craig retired from public service. He continued to stay active in his legal career. Governor Locke Craig died at the age of 63 on June 9, 1924, and was buried in the Riverside Cemetery in the Montford Area Historic District, in Asheville, North Carolina.