George Alfred Carlson (October 23, 1876 – December 6, 1926) was the 20th Governor of Colorado from 1915 to 1917.

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2020)

Quick Facts 20th Governor of Colorado, Lieutenant ...

George Alfred Carlson
20th Governor of Colorado
In office January 12, 1915 – January 9, 1917
Lieutenant	Moses E. Lewis
Preceded by	Elias Milton Ammons
Succeeded by	Julius Caldeen Gunter
Personal details
Born	(1876-10-23)October 23, 1876 Alta, Iowa, U.S.
Died	December 6, 1926(1926-12-06) (aged 50) Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Political party	Republican

Close

He was born on October 23, 1876, in Alta, Iowa.

Carlson graduated from the University of Colorado in 1902 and earned his law degree there in 1904. He practiced law in Fort Collins, Colorado, from 1905 to 1908, and was district attorney in Fort Collins from 1908 to 1914. He ran for governor as a Republican in 1914 and won, benefiting from vote-splitting between Democrats and Progressives.

Carlson's administration was noted for labor reforms, including the passage of a workers' compensation law and the establishment of the Industrial Commission of Colorado. He also supported and signed into law a prohibition bill making Colorado a "dry state."

Carlson was defeated for reelection in 1916. After leaving office, he returned to law practice in Denver.

He died on December 6, 1926, in Denver, Colorado.

• Media related to George Alfred Carlson at Wikimedia Commons
• State of Colorado biography
• George Alfred Carlson entry at the National Governors Association
• George Alfred Carlson entry at The Political Graveyard
• George Alfred Carlson at Find a Grave