Courtesy of Wyoming State Archives

Learn From History

Lester Hunt

In 1954, Senator Lester Hunt was bullied and extorted to such an extent by Senator Joseph McCarthy and others that he committed suicide.

Suicide and toxic politics are sadly features of our life together in Wyoming. Can we learn from the tragedy of Wyoming’s own, Lester Hunt? We must!

Upcoming Events to Learn the Lessons of Lester Hunt’s Life and Tragic Death

News
All Five Living Wyoming Governors attended Sen. Lester Hunt's 70th Anniversary Remembrance
All Five Living Wyoming Governors attended Sen. Lester Hunt's 70th Anniversary Remembrance

On Wednesday, June 19th, the 70th anniversary of Senator Lester Hunt’s death by suicide, two events commemorating the senator were held in Cheyenne.

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Press Release: Lester Hunt portrait display June 19th, Wyoming Capitol Rotunda
Press Release: Lester Hunt portrait display June 19th, Wyoming Capitol Rotunda

Symbolically returning Lester C. Hunt’s spirit to the Wyoming Capitol, the official portrait of Governor Hunt will be displayed in the Rotunda from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 19th, the 70th anniversary of his death.

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Joan Barron: A Timely Tribute to a Beleaguered Politician
Joan Barron: A Timely Tribute to a Beleaguered Politician

The June 8, 2024, Cowboy State Daily featured an op-ed by renowned Wyoming political columnist Joan Barron, who shared information about Lester Hunt and tied it to similarities in today’s Wyoming. From Joan’s column:

“But his downfall also was fueled by Hunt’s suicide which was not much publicized at the time but the U.S. Senate knew all about it.

McCarthy was dead meat. He was censured by the Senate and defeated by Wisconsin voters. He died three years later of chronic alcoholism.

The McCarthy era was the result of fear. And I think fear is what is driving many people today, particularly the MAGA crowd.

They fear the culture is changing, changing too fast and they are being left behind.

The Hunt story and memorial is important; it reminds us what can happen when a demagogue gains power.

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Gallery

As Wyoming Secretary of State, Hunt trademarked and then developed and implemented the plans for the Wyoming bucking horse license plate. Here, Hunt is pictured in 1936 at the plate's introduction. Courtesy of Wyoming State Archives.

As Wyoming Secretary of State, Hunt trademarked and then developed and implemented the plans for the Wyoming bucking horse license plate. Here, Hunt is pictured in 1936 at the plate's introduction. Courtesy of Wyoming State Archives.

Campaign poster for Lester Hunt's campaign for governor of Wyoming. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Campaign poster for Lester Hunt's campaign for governor of Wyoming. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Lester Hunt campaigning for governor. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Lester Hunt campaigning for governor. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Wyoming Governors Lester Hunt, Nellie Tayloe Ross, and Leslie Miller. Courtesy of Wyoming State Archives.

Wyoming Governors Lester Hunt, Nellie Tayloe Ross, and Leslie Miller. Courtesy of Wyoming State Archives.

Wyoming Governor Lester Hunt at his desk. Courtesy Wyoming State Archives.

Wyoming Governor Lester Hunt at his desk. Courtesy Wyoming State Archives.

Article about Hunt's campaign for governor in his hometown paper, LAnder's Wyoming State Journal. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Article about Hunt's campaign for governor in his hometown paper, LAnder's Wyoming State Journal. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Ahh, from a different time! A congratulatory telegram from Governor Nels Smith, the incumbent Lester Hunt defeated to become Wyoming's governor. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Ahh, from a different time! A congratulatory telegram from Governor Nels Smith, the incumbent Lester Hunt defeated to become Wyoming's governor. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Christmas greeting card from the Hunt family. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Christmas greeting card from the Hunt family. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Campaign poster from Lester Hunt's campaign for the United States Senate. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Campaign poster from Lester Hunt's campaign for the United States Senate. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Senator Lester Hunt surrounded by his staff in Washington, D.C. Courtesy Wyoming State Archives.

Senator Lester Hunt surrounded by his staff in Washington, D.C. Courtesy Wyoming State Archives.

Senator Lester Hunt's signed oath of office. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

Senator Lester Hunt's signed oath of office. Courtesy of the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

A photocopy of the June 22, 1954 Wyoming State Tribune. Click to see larger image.

A photocopy of the June 22, 1954 Wyoming State Tribune. Click to see larger image.

Senator Lester Hunt lying in state in the Wyoming Capitol rotunda, 1954. Courtesy of Wyoming State Archives.

Senator Lester Hunt lying in state in the Wyoming Capitol rotunda, 1954. Courtesy of Wyoming State Archives.

The story of Senator Lester Hunt is featured on the Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra podcast.

Courtesy Wyoming State Archives

Senator Lester Hunt discussing McCarthy and Communism

“I’ve been involved actively in public life for 22 years, and to the best of my knowledge, I’ve never met a Communist.”
— Senator Lester Hunt

Lester Hunt being interviewed on the Longines Chronograph program.