Charles Curtis

Charles Curtis (January 25, 1860 – February 8, 1936) was an American politician. He was the 31st vice president of the United States from 1929 to 1933 under President Herbert Hoover. Before becoming vice president, he had been a senator and a representative from Kansas.

Curtis, the only Native American vice president in American history, was a member of the Kaw Nation. Curtis was the first vice president of color, the other being Vice President Kamala Harris. Curtis called himself "one-eighth Kaw Indian and a one-hundred percent Republican." In 1900, Kaw Chief Washungah called Curtis "one of our own men."

Curtis grew up in Kansas and spoke the Kaw language. While he was in government, Curtis did some good things for Native Americans, but also some bad things. In 1898, he sponsored the Curtis Act of 1898, which took power away from tribal leaders.

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Category:1860 births
Category:1936 deaths
Category:American Methodists
Category:Majority leaders of the United States Senate
Category:Politicians from Topeka, Kansas
Category:Presidents pro tempore of the United States Senate
Category:United States representatives from Kansas
Category:United States senators from Kansas
Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians
Category:20th-century American politicians
Category:19th-century American politicians
Category:Kansas Republicans
Category:Deaths from myocardial infarction
Category:Vice presidents of the United States