1. Stephen Lucid Robert McNichols was an American politician who served as the 35th Governor of Colorado from 1957 to 1963.
11 Facts About Stephen McNichols
1. 2.
Stephen McNichols graduated from East Denver High School and Regis College to pursue a law degree from Catholic University in Washington.
3.
Stephen McNichols later became an assistant in the US Attorney General's antitrust division in Denver.
4.
Stephen McNichols distinguished himself in the service earning the Purple Heart, Bronze and Gold Stars and was promoted to lieutenant commander.
5.
When Governor Johnson was ill, which was much of the time during this administration, Stephen McNichols learned under this period the daily responsibilities of the governorship.
6.
Stephen McNichols took over the responsibilities of governor when Edwin Johnson became ill and was unable to complete his term.
7.
The term was 2 years and Stephen McNichols was re-elected in 1958 and again in 1960.
8.
Stephen McNichols advocated institutional reform for the State Hospital in Pueblo and State Penitentiary in Canon City, both organizations fraught with corruption and aging structures.
9.
Stephen McNichols was instrumental in the development of the Colorado State Archives and the governorship grew from a two to a four-year term during his administration.
10.
Many legislators disagreed with this decision and believed that it showed Stephen McNichols to be arrogant and power-hungry.
11.
Stephen McNichols was one of our best governors, in an important time in our history.