#HenryLane August 6

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In August 2025, many of us are participating in the 30-Day Governors Coach4aday Challenge. Each day, we highlight one of the 2,300+ U.S. Governors—past or present—sharing insights into their achievements, controversies, or unique aspects of their careers. For today my choice is going to be on a Governor named HENRY LANE who served for just two days.

Henry Smith Lane of Crawfordsville served as the 13th Governor of Indiana for just two days (January 14–16, 1861), resigning under a prearranged agreement so the Republican‑controlled state legislature could elect him to the U.S. Senate. Prior to the 17th Amendment which was ratified in 1913 each individual state chose their senators.

Governor-30 Day Challenge Guidelines

As with previous challenges, participants are encouraged to adapt the guidelines to fit their own circumstances. If you can, commit to sharing something about a Governor in August.

1. Record something about a particular US Governor. Make sure you include what US State and years that he/she served. Try to highlight an achievement, controversy, or some unique aspect of their career.
2. Share with a challenge partner if you have one.
3. Join the conversation by posting on social media with the hashtag #Coach4adayChallenge

August 6-Henry Lane

Henry Lane became a US Senator because of shifting political influences. When he resigned as Governor on January 16, 1861, it would not be until March 1861 before he got seated as a Senator.

Prior to the 17th Amendment, U.S. Senators were chosen by state legislatures, not elected directly by the people. The U.S. Senate held the constitutional authority to judge the qualifications and legitimacy of its members under Article I, Section 5. This allowed the Senate to refuse to seat individuals if there were disputes about the election process, corruption, or credentials. In January 1861 the Democrats held control of the US Senate and were not interested in an upstart Republican joining the ranks but with southern states seceding the Democrats lost control of the chamber and Henry Lane was seated on March 4, 1861.