Carl Albert was born on October 10, 1908 in McAlester, Oklahoma. He was the son of a coal miner father and grew up in the small town of Bugtussle. Albert attended the University of Oklahoma, where he studied political science. During his time at the university, he distinguished himself by winning a national public speaking competition. This accomplishment earned him a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford in England.
After returning from his studies in England, Albert began his political career by serving as a county attorney in Atoka County, Oklahoma. In 1946, he successfully ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Oklahoma's third district. Albert went on to serve in Congress for over three decades, from 1947 to 1977.
One of Albert's most notable achievements was serving as the fifty-fourth Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. He held this position from 1971 to 1977, making him one of the most powerful politicians in the country at the time. During his tenure as Speaker, Albert worked closely with Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford to pass important legislation and address key issues facing the nation.
After retiring from politics in 1977, Albert remained active in public life by writing and speaking on political matters. He co-authored an autobiographical book titled "Little Giant," which provided insight into his long and successful career in public service. Albert's thoughtful reflections in the book resonated with readers and cemented his legacy as a respected political figure.
Carl Albert was married to Mary Harmon, with whom he had a daughter and a son. Despite his demanding career in politics, Albert was known for his commitment to his family and his community. He was deeply rooted in his Oklahoma roots and never forgot where he came from, always striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
Carl Albert passed away on February 4, 2000, but his impact on American politics continues to be felt to this day. His dedication to public service, his skillful leadership in Congress, and his unwavering commitment to his principles have left a lasting legacy that serves as an inspiration to future generations of political leaders.