Encyclopedia article about Richard B. Russell Jr. who served in public office for fifty years as a state legislator, governor of Georgia, and U.S. senator. Although Russell was best known for his efforts to strengthen the national defense and to oppose civil rights legislation, he favored his role as advocate for the small farmer and for soil and water conservation. Russell also worked to bring economic opportunities to Georgia. While serving on the Senate, Russell served on the Appropriations Committee and spent sixteen years as the chair of the Armed Services Committee. He attended the Gordon Institute in Barnesville, the Seventh District Agricultural and Mechanical School in Powder Springs, and the University of Georgia.

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Cite as: "Richard B. Russell Jr. (1897-1971)," New Georgia Encyclopedia. Retrieved [date]: http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org.

Forms part of the New Georgia Encyclopedia.