Political Leadership

In this section find South Carolinians who served in leadership roles that helped shape policies and bring change.

William Moultrie | S.C. Hall of Fame

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Born in Charleston, South Carolina, William Moultrie (1730-1805) is known for his leadership during the American Revolutionary War. He defended the city of Charleston from British attack in 1776, and...
John Rutledge | S.C. Hall of Fame

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5-minute historical profile of the life of statesman John Rutledge, South Carolina’s first Governor and delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
Thomas Lynch Jr.| S.C. Hall of Fame

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Biography of the life of Declaration of Independence signer and noted statesman Thomas Lynch Jr. Through the use of archival materials, scholar interviews, and historical reenactment, this program...
Thomas Heyward Jr. | S.C. Hall of Fame

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Biography of the life of Declaration of Independence signer and noted statesman Thomas Heyward, Jr. Through the use of archival materials, scholar interviews, historic sites, and reenactments, this...
Thomas Lynch Sr. | S.C. Hall of Fame

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Thomas Lynch Sr. (1727-1776) was a rice planter on the Santee River. One of his houses, Hopsewee, was built in 1749. Lynch attended St. James Santee Church and was a member of the Winyah Indigo...
Senator Strom Thurmond | S.C. Hall of Fame

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James Strom Thurmond (December 5, 1902—June 26, 2003) served 48 years as United States Senator from South Carolina. He was Governor of South Carolina from 1947-1951 and ran for President in 1948 as...
Joel Poinsett | S.C. Hall of Fame

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Joel Roberts Poinsett wore many hats in his lifetime, but is mostly known for bringing the Poinsettia Christmas Flower to the United States. He has been labeled Diplomat, Botanist and Statesman.
Governor Robert E. McNair | S.C. Hall of Fame

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Robert E. McNair was Governor of South Carolina from 1965 to 1971. He led efforts in economic development, education, and civil rights. McNair was considered as a Democratic candidate for Vice...
King Hagler | S.C. Hall of Fame

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“King Hagler” was the leader of the Catawba Indian Nation. He had a reputation as peacekeeper with other tribes and colonists. In 1751, Hagler signed a treaty with the Six Nations. In 1756, Catawba...
Peter Horry | S.C. Hall of Fame

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Peter Horry (1743-1815) was a planter from Georgetown County, South Carolina, who became a politician and leader during the American Revolutionary War. He served at the Battle of Fort Moultrie in 1776...