T.A. Larson papers, 1870's - 1997 (bulk 1940 - 1989)

T. A. (Taft Alfred) Larson was a highly respected and popular professor of history at the University of Wyoming from 1936 to 1975. The son of Swedish immigrants, Larson was born on a farm in Wakefield, Nebraska on January 18, 1910. He entered the University of Colorado in 1928 where he earned both his BA and MA degrees in English History. He attended the University of Illinois where he was awarded a Ph.D. in 1937. He was hired by the University of Wyoming as a temporary lecturer for one year. Larson then attended the University of London. He was asked to return to the University of Wyoming to teach, and, among other classes, he was assigned the duty of teaching Wyoming history. This was the beginning of his scholarly fascination with Wyoming history. In 1943, Larson entered the Navy, and during his service he wrote a history of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He was discharged in 1946. Upon his return to Wyoming, Larson began writing "Wyoming’s War Years: 1941-1946," which was published in 1956. In 1965 he published, "The History of Wyoming." This 700-page book became a “model” for state histories throughout the country, and it became the standard text for teaching Wyoming history. Larson also wrote "Wyoming: A State History" (1977), "Wyoming: A Bicentennial History" (1978), and "Bill Nye’s Western Humor" (1968). Nye was a journalist who lived in Laramie during the 1880s. T. A. Larson was head of the History Department from 1948-1968, and he directed the School of American Studies from 1959-1968. Larson retired in 1975 and was elected to the Wyoming State House in 1976. He was appointed to the Joint Appropriations Committee during his first term and remained on that influential committee throughout his tenure in the House. He served four terms, retiring in 1984. He received many honors including the G. D. Humphrey Distinguished Faculty Award, the W. R. Coe Professor of American Studies Award, the UW Medallion Service Award, and an honorary Doctor of Law degree. He was a co-founder and president of the Wyoming State Historical Society, and he was president of the Western History Association. He died in California on January 26, 2001.