Governor of California, 1867-1871. He was the tenth governor of California, serving from December 5, 1867 to December 8, 1871. He was born in Rochester, New York and graduated from Yale University in 1844 at the age of 19. Haight studied law and then joined his father’s firm in Rochester before they moved to St. Louis, where he met his wife. Eventually, the lure of gold took him to San Francisco in January 1850. Haight never held public office of any kind before he was elected Governor of California as a Democrat. He has the distinction of being the first governor to use the offices at the state capitol in Sacramento, and he also signed the 1868 act that created The University of California. The transcontinental railroad was completed during his term. After losing reelection, Haight made his home in Alameda, California. He served on the university’s board of trustees while also practicing law. Though it is commonly thought to be true, Haight Street in San Francisco may or may not have been named after Haight himself. Some believe the street was named after his uncle, the pioneer and exchange banker Henry Haight (1820–1869).
Governor of California, 1867-1871. He was the tenth governor of California, serving from December 5, 1867 to December 8, 1871. He was born in Rochester, New York and graduated from Yale University in 1844 at the age of 19. Haight studied law and then joined his father’s firm in Rochester before they moved to St. Louis, where he met his wife. Eventually, the lure of gold took him to San Francisco in January 1850. Haight never held public office of any kind before he was elected Governor of California as a Democrat. He has the distinction of being the first governor to use the offices at the state capitol in Sacramento, and he also signed the 1868 act that created The University of California. The transcontinental railroad was completed during his term. After losing reelection, Haight made his home in Alameda, California. He served on the university’s board of trustees while also practicing law. Though it is commonly thought to be true, Haight Street in San Francisco may or may not have been named after Haight himself. Some believe the street was named after his uncle, the pioneer and exchange banker Henry Haight (1820–1869).
Bio by: Scott McKinzie
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