Project Summary

Rogers C. B. Morton (1914--1979), born in Louisville, was the brother of United States Senator Thruston B. Morton. He moved to Maryland's Eastern Shore in 1952 and was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1962. Morton served as chairman of the Republican National Committee (1969--1971) and was appointed secretary of the interior by President Richard M. Nixon in 1971, when Walter Hickel resigned. In 1975, Morton moved to the Commerce Department, and in 1976, he served as director of Gerald R. Ford's presidential campaign. Former staff members discuss Morton's political career.