UW American Heritage Center and Events to Honor Wyoming Sen. Lester Hunt

The University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center (AHC) will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the tragic death of U.S. Sen. Lester Hunt, who took his own life June 19, 1954, amid political blackmail and pressure during the McCarthy era.

Hunt served the Cowboy State as secretary of state, governor and U.S. senator, dedicating his life to public service and advocating for Wyoming’s interests and civil rights. However, the Democrat became a target of Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his allies due to his opposition to McCarthy’s tactics during the “Red Scare” era.

In 1953, Hunt’s son was arrested for soliciting a male undercover police officer, and McCarthy’s allies threatened to expose the arrest and use it against Hunt in his reelection campaign unless he stepped down from the Senate. The ruthless political blackmail and pressure, coupled with concerns about his health and family, led Hunt to take his own life just 11 days after agreeing to end his reelection bid.

The AHC holds Hunt’s papers, which provide valuable insight into his life, career and the political climate of the time. The center invites researchers and the public to explore the materials and learn more about Hunt’s legacy and the impact of the McCarthy era on American politics.

“Sen. Hunt’s tragic death serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of political intimidation and the importance of understanding and supporting mental health issues,” AHC Director Paul Flesher says. “Through the preservation and study of these invaluable resources, we can gain a deeper understanding of our past and its impact on our present and future.”

To learn more about Hunt’s life, legacy and commemorative events marking the 70th anniversary of his death, visit www.lesterhunt.org. The website serves as a central resource for those interested in learning more about Hunt’s impact on Wyoming and American politics, as well as details on upcoming events honoring his memory.

For more information about Hunt’s papers and the collections at UW’s AHC, visit www.uwyo.edu/ahc/, call the center’s reference department at (307) 766-3756, or email ahcref@uwyo.edu.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7; text 988; or chat at www.988lifeline.org.