Governor George Alfred Carlson

GEORGE ALFRED CARLSON, Colorado’s 20th governor was born in Alta, Iowa, on October 23, 1875. He graduated from Colorado State University in 1902 and earned a LL.B. degree from the University of Colorado in 1904. Carlson entered politics as the district attorney for the Eighth Judicial District, a position he held from 1908 to 1914. On November 3, 1914, he was elected Governor of Colorado, and on January 12, 1915, he was sworn into office. During his term, he advocated the necessity for legislation that endorsed the support of labor and the deterrence of strikes. A workmen’s compensation law was enacted, as well as a prohibition law, and legislation passed preventing the appropriation of more money than the state had on hand. The Industrial Relations Commission was also created during Carlson’s tenure. After an unsuccessful bid for reelection, Carlson left office on January 9, 1917, retiring from public service. Governor George Carlson died on December 6, 1926 and is buried at the Linn Grove Cemetery in Greeley, Colorado.