Ralph Henry Cameron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| United States Senator from Arizona | |
| In office March 4, 1921 – March 3, 1927 | |
| Preceded by | Marcus A. Smith |
| Succeeded by | Carl Hayden |
| Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona Territory | |
| In office March 4, 1909 – February 14, 1912 | |
| Preceded by | Marcus A. Smith |
| Succeeded by | Carl Hayden (as U.S. Representative) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 21, 1863 Southport, Maine, U.S. |
| Died | February 12, 1953 (aged 89) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | Ida May Spaulding
(m. 1895–1933)Elizabeth Reese (m. 1935) |
Ralph Henry Cameron (October 21, 1863 – February 12, 1953) was an American businessman, prospector and politician who served as both Arizona Territory's Delegate to Congress and as an Arizona United States Senator. As a Territorial delegate, he saw Arizona achieve statehood in 1912. Cameron's greatest achievement in the US Senate was the authorization for the Coolidge Dam.[1]
On the business front, Cameron was active early in efforts to develop the Grand Canyon in what is now viewed as a classic example of rent-seeking. Toward this end, he often used his political influence to help his business interests. Popular among residents of northern Arizona for much of his political career, his fortunes changed after he reached the U.S. Senate and voters began to view his actions as self-serving.