Ralph Fesler Gates | |
|---|---|
.png) | |
| 37th Governor of Indiana | |
| In office January 8, 1945 – January 10, 1949 | |
| Lieutenant | Richard T. James |
| Preceded by | Henry F. Schricker |
| Succeeded by | Henry F. Schricker |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 24, 1893 Columbia City, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | July 28, 1978 (aged 85) Columbia City, Indiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Helene Edwards[1] |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
Ralph Fesler Gates (February 24, 1893 - July 28, 1978) was an American politician who served as the 37th governor of the U.S. state of Indiana from 1945 to 1949. A lawyer and veteran of World War I, he is credited with returning his party to power after the Ku Klux Klan scandal in the late 1920s that led to years of Democratic dominance of the state government during the Great Depression. His term in office focused primarily on encouraging economic growth as World War II ended through the improvement of the state highway system, education reform, and offering incentives for industrial growth. After leaving office he remained active as a leader in the state Republican Party until his death.