THOMAS GORE
Like many early settlers to Oklahoma,
Thomas Gore came from another state.
His family came from Texas hoping to get
their own farm. His family was poor.
And as a child, Thomas lost his eyesight
But that did not stop him. Thomas taught
himself about math, history and
social studies.
When he grew up, he studied law and then
ran for government office. He was elected
as Oklahoma’s first Senator to Congress
in the year of our statehood.
As a leader, Thomas Gore wanted to make sure that poor people were treated
fairly. He also wanted make sure that the government did not waste money.
Thomas was proud of his state. In a speech he said, “I love Oklahoma. I am
proud of her past. I have faith in her future. We will solve new problems with a
courageous spirit.”
One of Thomas Gore’s family would also run for office. He would be elected as
Vice-President of the United States. His name is Al Gore. The town of Gore,
Oklahoma, is also named after him.
1. How did Thomas Gore deal with his loss of eyesight?
2. How did he help his state of Oklahoma?
3. In what ways are you proud of Oklahoma, too?
Courtesy Oklahoma Council for Social Studies