From the Peak to the Dark Valley: A.B. Fall and the Tragedy of Teapot Dome

Instructor: David Townsend, Ed.D

Day:  Tuesdays
Date:  October 2,9 and 16, 2012
Time:  6:30-8pm
Location: NMSUA Campus, Science Building, Room 360
Age: Adult
Cost:  No Charge

A.B. Fall’s career is one of the most remarkable in New Mexico’s history. He became an almost stereotypical “Westerner.” But it was in the law and politics that he became something special. He emerged as the most powerful political figure in the Territory and when statehood was achieved, he was chosen as one of the new state’s first U.S. Senators.

The Senate was perhaps his natural home. He moved easily in this exclusive “club.” One of his senatorial friends, Warren G. Harding, became President in 1920 and chose Fall to serve in his cabinet as Secretary of Interior. Fall proved to be the wrong man in the wrong position. His attitude toward the environment and the use of natural resources led inevitably to a personal and national tragedy: Teapot Dome.

Was Fall villain or patriot? This course seeks to answer that question. (3 sessions)