Published On: 10.03.18 | 

By: 14236

On this day in Alabama history: Former Gov. Bob Riley was born

Oct 3 feature

Hyundai Chariman Mong-Koo Chung, former U.S. President George H. Bush, Korean Ambassador Seok Hyun Hong and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley cut the ribbon for the first Hyundai manufacturing plant in the United States May 20, 2005 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Photo by Brian Schoenhals/Getty Images)

October 3, 1944

Former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley was born in Ashland to a family that had farmed and raised cattle in the small community for generations. He would eventually work his way up from Ashland City Council to U.S. congressman and then Alabama’s 55th governor in 2002. He defeated former Gov. Fob James’ son, Tim, in the Republican Primary and the incumbent Democrat, Don Siegelman. Riley was re-elected in 2006, defeating Democrat Lucy Baxley. He was noted for his efforts to improve Alabama’s tax system and its schools, and for recruiting industry to the state.

Read more at Encyclopedia of Alabama

For more on Alabama’s Bicentennial, visit Alabama 200.