Wallace, George (1919–1998)

George Corley Wallace served as governor of Alabama for 16 years and ran unsuccessfully four times for U.S. president. Wallace was a segregationist and outspoken proponent for states' rights. He is most remembered for his attempt to prevent racial integration at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. In [Page 821]1963, Wallace stood at the entrance of a campus building to prevent physically the enrollment of two African American students. Wallace allowed the two students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, to enter the building and enroll in classes only after the Alabama National Guard, federal marshals, and the U.S. deputy attorney general intervened.

Wallace served four terms as governor of Alabama in 1963, 1971, 1975, and 1983 and is the only individual ever to be elected to ...