Governor David Francis Cargo

DAVID FRANCIS CARGO was born in Dowagiac, Michigan, on January 13, 1929. He received a B.A. (1951), M.A. (1953) and LL.B. (1957) all from the University of Michigan. He served with the United States Army in Germany from 1553 to 1955. Known as “Lonesome Dave” for his spirit of independence, Cargo served as New Mexico’s Governor from 1967 to 1971. He previously served in the New Mexico House of Representatives for three terms, from 1962 until elected Governor. Governor Cargo’s administration laid the groundwork for many of New Mexico’s current environmental protections. He is responsible for protecting many areas in the state that became state parks.