This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
South Carolina
Gov. Andrew Pickens
- December 1, 1816 - December 1, 1818
- Democratic-Republican
- December 13, 1779
- July 1, 1838
- South Carolina
- College of New Jersey (Princeton University)
- Married twice--Susan Smith, Mary Willing Nelson; two children
- Army
About
ANDREW PICKENS was born in Edgefield County, South Carolina. He attended the College of New Jersey (Princeton University). He served as a Lieutenant Colonel with several infantry units during the War of 1812 and commanded one of the regiments raised by South Carolina for the defense of Charleston. Prior to his election as governor, he was a Presidential Elector from North Carolina. During his gubernatorial administration, a program of extensive infrastructure improvements was undertaken in South Carolina, starting with the appointment of an engineer to superintend public buildings and oversee civilian and military works. In addition, cotton prices rose to an all-time high on Pickens’s watch as the state’s chief executive. After leaving office, Pickens moved to Alabama, where he engaged in cotton planting. He was appointed president of the Alabama State Bank, and served as an agent to the Creek Indians in 1820. He died in Pontotock, Mississippi.
Source
Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 4. Westport, CT: Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.
The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Vol. 12. New York: James T. White & Company.