Deep South Dynasty: The Bankheads of Alabama

The Bankheads of Alabama were a powerful southern family from Reconstruction through the end of World War II, instrumental in fashioning the New South and the twentieth-century American political economy. This epic family biography by Kari Fredericksons traces the careers of five members of the family, including Confederate veteran John Hollis Bankhead, his sons John Jr. and William, and his daughter Marie Bankhead Owen. The family played key roles in crafting and maintaining a conservative political culture, legal code, and economic system that facilitated economic opportunities for cotton farmers, coal barons, and emerging industries while perpetuating White supremacy. Daughter Marie Bankhead Owen extended the family's cultural power, while Tallulah Bankhead benefited from their political bloodlines and lent them glamour. Fredericksons' research is a sweeping and complex story of the region and its relationship with the wider world over eight decades.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2021
Publisher: The University of Alabama Press

The Bankhead family, a prominent and influential Southern dynasty, played a pivotal role in shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscape of Alabama and the broader South from Reconstruction to the end of World War II. Spanning several generations, the Bankheads were instrumental in forging the New South and the twentieth-century American political economy. However, their legacy is now primarily associated with place names.

Deep South Dynasty: The Bankheads of Alabama is a meticulously researched epic family biography that delves into the intricate and ever-changing world inhabited by three generations of the highly accomplished yet controversial Bankhead family of northwest Alabama. Authored by Kari Fredericksons, this captivating account chronicles the careers of five members of the family: John Hollis Bankhead, his sons John Hollis Bankhead Jr. and William Brockman Bankhead, his daughter Marie Bankhead Owen, and his granddaughter Tallulah Brockman Bankhead.

John Hollis Bankhead, a Confederate veteran and the son of a slaveholder, held political office almost continuously from 1865 until his passing in 1920. His political career began in state-level positions and culminated in a thirty-three-year tenure in Congress, including service in the House and Senate. Two of his three sons, John Jr. and William, followed in their father's political footsteps. John Jr., a successful corporate attorney, achieved notable success by being elected to the state legislature and subsequently to the US Senate in 1930. William, on the other hand, served in the House of Representatives from 1916 to 1936, culminating in his appointment as Speaker of the House in 1936. Together, father and sons played crucial roles in shaping and sustaining a conservative political culture, legal framework, and economic system that facilitated economic prosperity for cotton farmers, coal barons, and emerging industries throughout Alabama and the South.

The Bankhead family's influence extended beyond their political careers. They were also instrumental in shaping the cultural and social landscape of Alabama. John Hollis Bankhead, in particular, was known for his dedication to education and philanthropy. He established the Bankhead School for the Deaf in 1885, which became a renowned institution for educating deaf children. Additionally, he donated substantial sums to various educational and cultural institutions in the state, including the University of Alabama and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Marie Bankhead Owen, the daughter of John Hollis Bankhead, was a prominent socialite and philanthropist in her own right. She was known for her lavish parties and charitable contributions to various organizations, including the Red Cross and the United Way of Central Alabama. Tallulah Brockman Bankhead, the granddaughter of John Hollis Bankhead, was a renowned artist and socialite who played a significant role in the art world during the 1920s and 1930s. She was a patron of the arts and supported numerous artists and cultural institutions in Alabama and beyond.

Despite their many accomplishments, the Bankhead family faced challenges and controversies throughout their history. John Hollis Bankhead, for instance, was criticized for his support of racial segregation and his opposition to civil rights legislation. His sons, John Jr. and William, were also involved in political scandals, including the Alabama Senate Investigation of 1931-1932, which led to their resignation from office.

Despite these challenges, the Bankhead family's legacy continues to be felt in Alabama and the South. Their contributions to politics, education, and philanthropy have left a lasting impact on the state and the region. The Bankhead School for the Deaf, for example, remains a symbol of the family's commitment to education and the deaf community.

In conclusion, the Bankhead family, a prominent and influential Southern dynasty, played a pivotal role in shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscape of Alabama and the broader South from Reconstruction to the end of World War II. Their contributions to politics, education, and philanthropy have left a lasting impact on the state and the region, and their legacy continues to be celebrated and studied today.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780817321109