17 Facts About Austin Peay

Austin Peay was an American politician who served as the 35th governor of Tennessee from 1923 to 1927.

Austin Peay was the state's first governor since the Civil War to win three consecutive terms and the first to die in office.

Austin Peay created Tennessee's first state park and assured the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Austin Peay attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, and Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, before moving to Clarksville, Tennessee, to practice law.

Austin Peay was practically penniless when he married Sallie Hurst in Clarksville in 1895.

In 1900, Austin Peay was elected to Montgomery County's seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Austin Peay was elected chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Committee in 1905.

In 1908, Peay managed Governor Malcolm R Patterson's successful reelection campaign.

In 1918, Peay ran for governor as a Democrat, losing by 12,000 votes to Albert H Roberts in the primary election.

In 1922, Peay defeated former Governor Benton McMillin for the Democratic nomination for governor and Republican incumbent Alfred A Taylor in the General election.

Austin Peay enacted a policy of paying for projects with available funding as opposed to bond issues.

Austin Peay implemented a 2 percent tax on gasoline and automobile registration fees to finance road construction.

Austin Peay expanded the school year to eight months, established licensing requirements and salary schedules for teachers, and increased funding for the University of Tennessee.

Austin Peay dedicated Reelfoot Lake in Obion County as a hunting and fishing reserve in 1925.

Austin Peay created the Tennessee State Parks and Forestry Commission in 1925.

In March 1925, Austin Peay signed the Butler Act, banning the teaching of the Theory of Evolution in the state's schools.

Austin Peay won a third term as Governor in 1926, defeating Hill McAlister in the primary election and Walter White in the general.