Harold Ickes was born near Altoona Pennsyvania on March 15, 1874. He moved to Chicago at age 16 where he graduated from high school and went on to the University of Chicago. He received a law degree from there as well. Ickes began his political career as a progressive Republican. Ickes was unknown to President-elect Franklin Roosevelt, but a number of advisors suggested his name to the new President and Roosevelt appointed Ickes to be Secretary of the Interior.

Ickes administered a number of New Deal programs and was one of the most forward-thinking members of the Roosevelt administration. While he was not one in Roosevelt's inner circle, Ickes remained close to the President throughout his term.