During a period of great social and political change in Georgia, Lester Maddox (1915-2003) stands out as the last overtly segregationist governor in the state’s history. Ironically, Maddox appointed more African-Americans to government positions than all prior Georgia governors combined. He also received support of both whites and blacks alike due to his “little people’s days.” Twice a month, average people could stand in line to meet with the governor. Nonetheless, Maddox was criticized for not allowing flags at state buildings to be flown at half-mast after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., and for his fight against the civil rights platform of the Democratic Party at their 1968 National Convention.
Maddox was born in Atlanta. After dropping out of high school, he worked several jobs, including the Bell Bomber factory during World War II. In 1947, he opened the Pickrick restaurant near the campus of Georgia Tech. He gained fame throughout Georgia due to his advertisements for the restaurant that he placed in the Atlanta Journal newspaper. Later, he was known throughout the nation for his use of ax handles to forcefully remove African-Americans who tried to integrate his restaurant. He later closed the Pickrick rather than allow it to be integrated.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s he, ran two unsuccessful campaigns for mayor of Atlanta, losing to William B. Hartsfield and Ivan Allen, Jr. He also ran for Lieutenant Governor in 1962, losing to another segregationist candidate in the Democratic primary. In 1966, Maddox surprised many by beating Ellis Arnall (see teacher note SS8H10) for Governor in the Democratic primary. In the general election, he actually lost the popular vote to Republican candidate Bo Callaway, but was selected by the Georgia Legislature due to Callaway not gaining a majority. After his term as Governor was over, due to constitutional term limits, Maddox ran for Lieutenant Governor. Serving as Lieutenant Governor, he often clashed with Governor Jimmy Carter over many issues.
Maddox ran for governor again in 1974 but was defeated. He also ran for president in 1976. After retiring from politics, he operated several other businesses, but none were as profitable as the Pickrick. Throughout his life he never apologized for his defense of segregation. Maddox died of cancer at the age of 87.
Maddox was born in Atlanta. After dropping out of high school, he worked several jobs, including the Bell Bomber factory during World War II. In 1947, he opened the Pickrick restaurant near the campus of Georgia Tech. He gained fame throughout Georgia due to his advertisements for the restaurant that he placed in the Atlanta Journal newspaper. Later, he was known throughout the nation for his use of ax handles to forcefully remove African-Americans who tried to integrate his restaurant. He later closed the Pickrick rather than allow it to be integrated.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s he, ran two unsuccessful campaigns for mayor of Atlanta, losing to William B. Hartsfield and Ivan Allen, Jr. He also ran for Lieutenant Governor in 1962, losing to another segregationist candidate in the Democratic primary. In 1966, Maddox surprised many by beating Ellis Arnall (see teacher note SS8H10) for Governor in the Democratic primary. In the general election, he actually lost the popular vote to Republican candidate Bo Callaway, but was selected by the Georgia Legislature due to Callaway not gaining a majority. After his term as Governor was over, due to constitutional term limits, Maddox ran for Lieutenant Governor. Serving as Lieutenant Governor, he often clashed with Governor Jimmy Carter over many issues.
Maddox ran for governor again in 1974 but was defeated. He also ran for president in 1976. After retiring from politics, he operated several other businesses, but none were as profitable as the Pickrick. Throughout his life he never apologized for his defense of segregation. Maddox died of cancer at the age of 87.