Fall, Albert B. (Albert Bacon), 1861-1944

Albert B. Fall arrived in N.M. in 1883, and began prospecting at Kingston. He moved to Las Cruces to practice law and became active in Democratic politics. In 1902, he switched his affiliation to the Republican party and continued his climb through various elective and appointive offices. In 1921, Fall was appointed Secretary of the Interior. While in this position Fall was instrumental in transferring the Navy oil reserves at Teapot Dome, Wyo. and Elk Hills, Calif. from the Navy Dept. to the Interior Dept. In secrecy and without competitive bidding, Fall then leased Teapot Dome to Sinclair's Mammoth Oil Company and the Elk Hills oil reserve to his friend Doheny's Pan American Company. After Fall resigned in 1923 there was a congressional investigation. Fall was convicted of accepting a bribe.

From the description of Papers, 1851-1927, (bulk 1922-1927) [microform]. (New Mexico State University). WorldCat record id: 52718616

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