List of governors of South Carolina
The governor of South Carolina is the head of government of South Carolina and serves as commander-in-chief of the U.S. state 's military forces . The current governor is Henry McMaster .
Governors
South Carolina was one of the original Thirteen Colonies and was admitted as a state on May 23, 1788.[ 1] Before it declared its independence, South Carolina was a colony of the Kingdom of Great Britain . It seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860,[ 2] and was a founding member of the Confederate States of America on February 4, 1861.[ 3] Following the end of the American Civil War , South Carolina during Reconstruction was part of the Second Military District , which exerted some control over governor appointments and elections. South Carolina was readmitted to the Union on July 9, 1868.[ 4]
Under the first constitution of South Carolina , a president of the state was elected for a term of two years, who then could not run again until four years had passed. The 1865 constitution briefly increased terms to four years, but that was changed in the 1868 constitution back to two years, with no term limit. An amendment in 1926 increased term lengths to four years, but limited governors to not being able to succeed themselves; an amendment in 1981 allowed governors to succeed themselves once. The 1776 constitution created the office of vice-president, renamed to lieutenant governor in 1778, to succeed to the governorship should it become vacant.
Governors of the State of South Carolina
No.
Governor[ a]
Term in office
Party
Election
Lt. Governor [ b] [ c]
31
John Rutledge (1739–1800) [ 6]
March 26, 1776 [ 7] – March 6, 1778(resigned) [ d]
None
1776
Henry Laurens
32
Rawlins Lowndes (1721–1800) [ 10]
March 6, 1778 [ 7] – January 9, 1779(did not run)
None
1778 [ e]
James Parsons
31
John Rutledge (1739–1800) [ 6]
January 9, 1779 [ 7] – January 31, 1782(term-limited) [ f] [ g]
None
1779
Thomas Bee
Christopher Gadsden
33
John Mathews (1744–1802) [ 12]
January 31, 1782 [ 7] – February 5, 1783(did not run)
None
1782 [ h]
Richard Hutson
34
Benjamin Guerard (1740–1788) [ 13]
February 5, 1783 [ 14] – February 10, 1785(term-limited) [ g]
None
1783
Richard Beresford
Vacant
William Moultrie
35
William Moultrie (1730–1805) [ 16]
February 10, 1785 [ 17] – February 21, 1787(term-limited) [ g]
None
1785
Charles Drayton
36
Thomas Pinckney (1750–1828) [ 18]
February 21, 1787 [ 19] – January 26, 1789(term-limited) [ g]
None
1787
Thomas Gadsden
37
Charles Pinckney (1757–1824) [ 21]
January 26, 1789 [ 22] – December 5, 1792(term-limited) [ i]
None
1789
Alexander Gillon
1791
35
William Moultrie (1730–1805) [ 16]
December 5, 1792 – December 17, 1794(term-limited) [ i]
Federalist
1792
James Ladson
38
Arnoldus Vanderhorst (1748–1815) [ 26]
December 17, 1794 – December 8, 1796(term-limited) [ i]
Federalist
1794
Lewis Morris
37
Charles Pinckney (1757–1824) [ 21]
December 8, 1796 [ 27] – December 19, 1798(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1796
Robert Anderson
39
Edward Rutledge (1749–1800) [ 29]
December 19, 1798 [ 30] – January 23, 1800(died in office)
Federalist
1798
John Drayton [ j]
40
John Drayton (1766–1822) [ 32]
January 23, 1800 – December 8, 1802(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Vacant
1800
Richard Winn
41
James Burchill Richardson (1770–1836) [ 34]
December 8, 1802 – December 7, 1804(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1802
Ezekiel Pickens
42
Paul Hamilton (1762–1816) [ 36]
December 7, 1804 – December 9, 1806(resigned) [ k]
Democratic- Republican
1804
Thomas Sumter Jr.
37
Charles Pinckney (1757–1824) [ 21]
December 9, 1806 – December 10, 1808(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1806
John Hopkins
40
John Drayton (1766–1822) [ 32]
December 10, 1808 [ 41] – December 10, 1810(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1808
Frederick Nance
43
Henry Middleton (1770–1846) [ 43]
December 10, 1810 [ 44] – December 10, 1812(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1810
Samuel Farrow
44
Joseph Alston (1779–1816) [ 46]
December 10, 1812 – December 10, 1814(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1812
Eldred Simkins
45
David Rogerson Williams (1776–1830) [ 48]
December 10, 1814 – December 5, 1816(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1814
Robert Creswell
46
Andrew Pickens (1779–1838) [ 50]
December 5, 1816 – December 8, 1818(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1816
John A. Cuthbert
47
John Geddes (1777–1828) [ 52]
December 8, 1818 [ 53] – December 7, 1820(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1818
William Youngblood
48
Thomas Bennett Jr. (1781–1865) [ 55]
December 7, 1820 [ 56] – December 9, 1822(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1820
William Pinckney
49
John Lyde Wilson (1784–1849) [ 58]
December 9, 1822 [ 59] – December 3, 1824(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1822
Henry Bradley
50
Richard Irvine Manning I (1789–1836) [ 61]
December 3, 1824 [ 62] – December 11, 1826(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1824
William A. Bull
51
John Taylor (1770–1832) [ 64]
December 11, 1826 [ 65] – December 10, 1828(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic- Republican
1826
James Witherspoon
52
Stephen Decatur Miller (1787–1838) [ 67]
December 10, 1828 [ 68] – December 9, 1830(term-limited) [ i]
Nullifier
1828
Thomas Williams
53
James Hamilton Jr. (1786–1857) [ 70]
December 9, 1830 [ 71] – December 11, 1832(term-limited) [ i]
Nullifier
1830
Patrick Noble
54
Robert Y. Hayne (1791–1839) [ 73]
December 11, 1832 [ 74] – December 11, 1834(term-limited) [ i]
Nullifier
1832
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney II
55
George McDuffie (1790–1851) [ 76]
December 11, 1834 [ 77] – December 10, 1836(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1834
Whitemarsh Benjamin Seabrook
56
Pierce Mason Butler (1798–1847) [ 79]
December 10, 1836 – December 10, 1838(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1836
William DuBose
57
Patrick Noble (1787–1840) [ 81]
December 10, 1838 [ 82] – April 7, 1840(died in office)
Democratic
1838
Barnabas Kelet Henagan
58
Barnabas Kelet Henagan (1798–1855) [ 84]
April 7, 1840 [ 85] – December 10, 1840(did not run)
Democratic
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Vacant
59
John Peter Richardson II (1801–1864) [ 87]
December 10, 1840 [ 88] – December 10, 1842(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1840
William K. Clowney
60
James H. Hammond (1807–1864) [ 90]
December 10, 1842 [ 91] – December 10, 1844(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1842
Isaac D. Witherspoon
61
William Aiken Jr. (1806–1887) [ 93]
December 10, 1844 [ 94] – December 10, 1846(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1844
J. F. Ervin
62
David Johnson (1782–1855) [ 96]
December 10, 1846 [ 97] – December 14, 1848(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1846
William Cain
63
Whitemarsh Benjamin Seabrook (1793–1855) [ 99]
December 14, 1848 [ 100] – December 16, 1850(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1848
William Henry Gist
64
John Hugh Means (1812–1862) [ 102]
December 16, 1850 [ 103] – December 13, 1852(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1850
Joshua John Ward
65
John Lawrence Manning (1816–1889) [ 105]
December 13, 1852 [ 106] – December 13, 1854(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1852
James Irby
66
James Hopkins Adams (1812–1861) [ 108]
December 13, 1854 [ 109] – December 11, 1856(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1854
Richard de Treville
67
Robert Francis Withers Allston (1801–1864) [ 111]
December 11, 1856 [ 112] – December 13, 1858(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1856
Gabriel Cannon
68
William Henry Gist (1807–1874) [ 114]
December 13, 1858 [ 115] – December 17, 1860(term-limited) [ i]
Democratic
1858
M. E. Carn
69
Francis Wilkinson Pickens (d. 1869) [ 117]
December 17, 1860 [ 118] – December 18, 1862(term-limited) [ l]
Democratic
1860
W. W. Harllee
70
Milledge Luke Bonham (1813–1890) [ 121]
December 18, 1862 [ 122] – December 19, 1864(term-limited) [ l]
Democratic
1862
Plowden Weston (died)
Vacant
71
Andrew Gordon Magrath (1813–1893) [ 124]
December 19, 1864 [ 125] – May 28, 1865(arrested and removed) [ m]
Democratic
1864
Robert McCaw
—
Vacant
May 28, 1865 – June 30, 1865
Office vacated after civil war
Vacant
72
Benjamin Franklin Perry (1805–1886) [ 127]
June 30, 1865 [ 128] – November 29, 1865(did not run)
Provisional governor appointed by President
73
James Lawrence Orr (1822–1873) [ 130]
November 29, 1865 [ 131] – July 9, 1868(did not run)
Democratic
1865
William Dennison Porter
74
Robert Kingston Scott (1826–1900) [ 134]
July 9, 1868 [ 135] – December 3, 1872(did not run)
Republican
1868
Lemuel Boozer
1870
Alonzo J. Ransier
75
Franklin J. Moses Jr. (1838–1906) [ 137]
December 3, 1872 [ 138] – December 1, 1874(lost nomination)
Republican
1872
Richard Howell Gleaves
76
Daniel Henry Chamberlain (1835–1907) [ 140]
December 1, 1874 [ 141] – April 11, 1877(lost election)
Republican
1874
1876 [ n]
77
Wade Hampton III (1818–1902) [ 143]
December 14, 1876 [ 144] – February 26, 1879(resigned) [ o]
Democratic
William Dunlap Simpson
1878
78
William Dunlap Simpson (1823–1890) [ 147]
February 26, 1879 [ 145] – September 1, 1880(resigned) [ p]
Democratic
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Vacant
79
Thomas Bothwell Jeter (1827–1883) [ 149]
September 1, 1880 [ 150] – November 30, 1880(successor took office)
Democratic
Succeeded from president pro tempore of the Senate
80
Johnson Hagood (1829–1898) [ 152]
November 30, 1880 [ 153] – December 5, 1882(did not run)
Democratic
1880
John Doby Kennedy
81
Hugh Smith Thompson (1836–1904) [ 155]
December 5, 1882 [ 156] – July 10, 1886(resigned) [ q]
Democratic
1882
John Calhoun Sheppard
1884
82
John Calhoun Sheppard (1850–1931) [ 158]
July 10, 1886 [ 159] – November 30, 1886(lost nomination)
Democratic
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Vacant
83
John Peter Richardson III (1831–1899) [ 161]
November 30, 1886 [ 162] – December 4, 1890(did not run)
Democratic
1886
William L. Mauldin
1888
84
Benjamin Tillman (1847–1918) [ 164]
December 4, 1890 [ 165] – December 4, 1894(did not run) [ r]
Democratic
1890
Eugene Gary
1892
Washington Hodges Timmerman
85
John Gary Evans (1863–1942) [ 167]
December 4, 1894 [ 168] – January 18, 1897(did not run)
Democratic
1894
86
William Haselden Ellerbe (1862–1899) [ 170]
January 18, 1897 [ 171] – June 2, 1899(died in office)
Democratic
1896
Miles Benjamin McSweeney
1898
87
Miles Benjamin McSweeney (1855–1909) [ 173]
June 2, 1899 [ 174] – January 21, 1903(did not run)
Democratic
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Robert B. Scarborough
1900
88
Duncan Clinch Heyward (1864–1943) [ 176]
January 21, 1903 [ 177] – January 15, 1907(did not run)
Democratic
1902
James H. Tillman
1904
John Sloan
89
Martin Frederick Ansel (1850–1945) [ 179]
January 15, 1907 [ 180] – January 17, 1911(did not run)
Democratic
1906
Thomas Gordon McLeod
1908
90
Cole L. Blease (1868–1942) [ 182]
January 17, 1911 [ 183] – January 14, 1915(resigned) [ s]
Democratic
1910
Charles Aurelius Smith
1912
91
Charles Aurelius Smith (1861–1916) [ 186]
January 14, 1915 [ 184] – January 19, 1915(successor took office)
Democratic
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Vacant
92
Richard Irvine Manning III (1859–1931) [ 188]
January 19, 1915 [ 189] – January 21, 1919(did not run)
Democratic
1914
Andrew Bethea
1916
93
Robert Archer Cooper (1874–1953) [ 191]
January 21, 1919 [ 192] – May 20, 1922(resigned) [ t]
Democratic
1918
J. T. Lyles
1920
Wilson Godfrey Harvey
94
Wilson Godfrey Harvey (1866–1932) [ 194]
May 20, 1922 [ 195] – January 16, 1923(did not run)
Democratic
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Vacant
95
Thomas Gordon McLeod (1868–1932) [ 197]
January 16, 1923 [ 198] – January 18, 1927(did not run)
Democratic
1922
E. B. Jackson
1924
96
John Gardiner Richards Jr. (1864–1941) [ 200]
January 18, 1927 [ 201] – January 20, 1931(term-limited) [ u]
Democratic
1926
Thomas Bothwell Butler (died)
Vacant
97
Ibra Charles Blackwood (1878–1936) [ 204]
January 20, 1931 [ 205] – January 15, 1935(term-limited) [ u]
Democratic
1930
James Sheppard
98
Olin D. Johnston (1896–1965) [ 207]
January 15, 1935 [ 208] – January 17, 1939(term-limited) [ u]
Democratic
1934
Joseph Emile Harley
99
Burnet R. Maybank (1899–1954) [ 210]
January 17, 1939 [ 211] – November 4, 1941(resigned) [ v]
Democratic
1938
100
Joseph Emile Harley (1880–1942) [ 213]
November 4, 1941 [ 214] – February 27, 1942(died in office)
Democratic
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Vacant
—
Vacant
February 27, 1942 – March 2, 1942
—
Office vacant after death [ w]
101
Richard Manning Jefferies (1889–1964) [ 216]
March 2, 1942 [ w] – January 19, 1943(did not run)
Democratic
Succeeded from president pro tempore of the Senate
98
Olin D. Johnston (1896–1965) [ 207]
January 19, 1943 [ 219] – January 2, 1945(resigned) [ x]
Democratic
1942
Ransome Judson Williams
102
Ransome Judson Williams (1892–1970) [ 221]
January 2, 1945 [ 222] – January 21, 1947(lost nomination)
Democratic
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Vacant
103
Strom Thurmond (1902–2003) [ 224]
January 21, 1947 [ 225] – January 16, 1951(term-limited) [ u]
Democratic
1946
George Bell Timmerman Jr.
104
James F. Byrnes (1882–1972) [ 227]
January 16, 1951 [ 228] – January 18, 1955(term-limited) [ u]
Democratic
1950
105
George Bell Timmerman Jr. (1912–1994) [ 230]
January 18, 1955 [ 231] – January 20, 1959(term-limited) [ u]
Democratic
1954
Fritz Hollings
106
Fritz Hollings (1922–2019) [ 233]
January 20, 1959 [ 234] – January 15, 1963(term-limited) [ u]
Democratic
1958
Burnet R. Maybank Jr.
107
Donald S. Russell (1906–1998) [ 236]
January 15, 1963 [ 237] – April 22, 1965(resigned) [ y]
Democratic
1962
Robert Evander McNair
108
Robert Evander McNair (1923–2007) [ 239]
April 22, 1965 [ 240] – January 19, 1971(term-limited) [ u]
Democratic
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Vacant
1966
John C. West
109
John C. West (1922–2004) [ 242]
January 19, 1971 [ 243] – January 15, 1975(term-limited) [ z]
Democratic
1970
Earle Morris Jr.
110
James B. Edwards (1927–2014) [ 246]
January 15, 1975 [ 247] – January 10, 1979(term-limited) [ z]
Republican
1974
W. Brantley Harvey Jr. [ aa]
111
Richard Riley (b. 1933) [ 248]
January 10, 1979 [ 249] – January 14, 1987(term-limited) [ z]
Democratic [ 248]
1978
Nancy Stevenson
1982
Michael R. Daniel
112
Carroll A. Campbell Jr. (1940–2005) [ 250]
January 14, 1987 [ 251] – January 11, 1995(term-limited) [ z]
Republican [ 250]
1986
Nick Theodore [ aa]
1990
113
David Beasley (b. 1957) [ 252]
January 11, 1995 [ 253] – January 13, 1999(lost election)
Republican [ 252]
1994
Bob Peeler [ ab]
114
Jim Hodges (b. 1956) [ 254]
January 13, 1999 [ 255] – January 15, 2003(lost election)
Democratic [ 254]
1998
115
Mark Sanford (b. 1960) [ 256]
January 15, 2003 [ 257] – January 12, 2011(term-limited) [ z]
Republican [ 256]
2002
André Bauer
2006
116
Nikki Haley (b. 1972) [ 258]
January 12, 2011 [ 259] – January 24, 2017(resigned) [ ac]
Republican [ 258]
2010
Ken Ard
Glenn F. McConnell
Yancey McGill [ aa]
2014
Henry McMaster
117
Henry McMaster (b. 1947) [ 261]
January 24, 2017 [ 260] – Incumbent[ ad]
Republican [ 261]
Succeeded from lieutenant governor
Kevin L. Bryant
2018
Pamela Evette
2022
See also
Notes
^ Office was known as President until 1779.
^ Office was known as Vice President until 1779.
^ Lieutenant governors represented the same party as their governor unless noted.
^ Rutledge vetoed the new constitution, and after his veto was overturned, he resigned.[ 8]
^ Arthur Middleton was elected to succeed Rutledge, but he declined the office, as he shared Rutledge's objections to the new constitution. Lowndes was then elected.[ 8]
^ There was no 1780 election, due to issues arising from the American Revolutionary War , so Rutledge continued to serve after his term would normally have ended, and Mathews' term was accordingly shortened.
^ a b c d Under the 1778 constitution, governors were ineligible for the office for four years after the end of their term.[ 11]
^ Christopher Gadsden was elected in 1782, but declined, so the legislature then chose Mathews.
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af Under the 1790 constitution, governors were ineligible for the office for four years after the end of their term.[ 23]
^ Represented the Democratic-Republican Party
^ Hamilton resigned near the end of his natural term,[ 37] due to complaints about him running for a seat in the South Carolina legislature while still sitting as governor.[ 38] [ 39] Hamilton's resignation was submitted on December 1, but it does not appear to have taken effect until his successor was elected.[ 40]
^ a b Under the 1861 constitution, governors were ineligible for the office for four years after the end of their term.[ 119]
^ Magrath was arrested by Union forces soon after the American Civil War ended; he was released seven months later.
^ The 1876 election was very close, and two governments emerged , one run by Chamberlain, the other by Hampton. The dispute ended in April 1877 with Hampton and the Democratic Party taking control of the state.
^ Hampton resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate ; some modern sources say he resigned after being wounded in a hunting accident, but the letter of resignation makes no mention of this.[ 145]
^ Simpson resigned, having been elected Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court .
^ Thompson resigned, having been confirmed as United States Assistant Secretary of the Treasury .
^ Tillman was instead elected to the United States Senate .
^ Blease resigned, citing no reason.[ 184]
^ Cooper resigned, having been appointed to the Federal Farm Loan Board .
^ a b c d e f g h Under the 1926 constitution, governors were ineligible to succeed themselves.
^ Maybank resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate .
^ a b Harley died on February 27; even though the constitution says that the president pro tempore of the Senate would succeed to the office of governor should both it and lieutenant governor become vacant, Jefferies delayed accepting for several days,[ 217] unsure if he wanted to leave his Senate duties.[ 218]
^ Johnston resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate .
^ Russell resigned so that his successor would appoint him to the United States Senate .
^ a b c d e Under a 1981 amendment to the constitution, governors are ineligible to be elected for more than two successive terms.[ 244]
^ a b c Represented the Democratic Party
^ Represented the Republican Party
^ Haley resigned, having been confirmed as United States Ambassador to the United Nations .[ 260]
^ McMaster's second full term began January 11, 2023, and will expire January 13, 2027; he will be term-limited.
References
General
"Former South Carolina Governors" . National Governors Association. Retrieved June 17, 2023 .
Sobel, Robert (1978). Biographical directory of the governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. IV . Meckler Books. ISBN 9780930466008 . Retrieved June 13, 2023 .
Dubin, Michael J. (2003). United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1776-1860: The Official Results by State and County . McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-1439-0 .
Dubin, Michael J. (2014). United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1861-1911: The Official Results by State and County . McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-5646-8 .
Kallenbach, Joseph Ernest (1977). American State Governors, 1776-1976 . Oceana Publications. ISBN 978-0-379-00665-0 . Retrieved September 23, 2023 .
Glashan, Roy R. (1979). American Governors and Gubernatorial Elections, 1775-1978 . Meckler Books. ISBN 978-0-930466-17-6 .
"Our Campaigns - Governor of South Carolina - History" . www.ourcampaigns.com . Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
"Our Campaigns - Governor of South Carolina (CSA) - History" . www.ourcampaigns.com . Retrieved July 25, 2023 .
Specific
^ "Ratification of the Constitution by the State of South Carolina; May 23, 1788" . The Avalon Project at Yale Law School. Archived from the original on November 8, 2015. Retrieved October 31, 2015 .
^ "Secession Ordinances of 13 Confederate States" . University of Houston . Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved May 24, 2015 .
^ Constitution for the Provisional Government of the Confederate States of America Archived August 20, 2016, at the Wayback Machine , accessed July 8, 2015
^ Act authorizing readmission on ratification of 14th amendment: 15 Stat. 73 . Proclamation of South Carolina's ratification: 15 Stat. 704 .
^ a b "John Rutledge" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 18, 2023 .
^ a b c d Salley, Jr., A.S. "Governors of South Carolina 1670–2022" (PDF) . South Carolina Legislature . Retrieved July 1, 2023 .
^ a b Flanders, Henry. The Lives and Times of the Chief Justices of the United States Supreme Court , pp. 551–552. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co. , 1874 at Google Books .
^ "Rawlins Lowndes" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 18, 2023 .
^ "1778 S.C. Const. art. VI" . www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu . Retrieved December 20, 2023 .
^ "John Mathews" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 19, 2023 .
^ "Benjamin Guerard" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 19, 2023 .
^ "South Carolina" . Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser . April 3, 1783. p. 2. Retrieved July 2, 2023 .
^ a b "William Moultrie" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 19, 2023 .
^ "Charleston, (S.C.)" . Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser . March 10, 1785. p. 2. Retrieved July 2, 2023 .
^ "Thomas Pinckney" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 19, 2023 .
^ "American Intelligence" . The Independent Gazetteer . March 9, 1787. p. 2. Retrieved July 2, 2023 .
^ a b c "Charles Pinckney" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 19, 2023 .
^ "America" . Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser . February 23, 1789. p. 2. Retrieved July 2, 2023 .
^ "1790 S.C. Const. art. II, § 2" . www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu . Retrieved December 20, 2023 .
^ "Arnoldus Vandershorst" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 20, 2023 .
^ "By This Day's Mails" . The Philadelphia Inquirer . December 29, 1796. p. 2. Retrieved July 2, 2023 .
^ "Edward Rutledge" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 21, 2023 .
^ "Governor Rutledge's Speech" . The North American . January 15, 1799. p. 3. Retrieved July 2, 2023 .
^ a b "John Drayton" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 21, 2023 .
^ "James Burchill Richardson" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 28, 2023 .
^ "Paul Hamilton" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 28, 2023 .
^ "none" . Virginia Argus . December 26, 1806. p. 3. Retrieved June 28, 2023 . The Legislature of South Carolina, on the 9th instant, elected Charles Pinckney, Governor of that State, in the place of Paul Hamilton, resigned.
^ "Governor of the State of South Carolina - Paul Hamilton" . www.carolana.com . Retrieved June 28, 2023 .
^ "Election Returns" . The Charleston Daily Courier . October 22, 1806. p. 3. Retrieved June 28, 2023 .
^ "Legislature of South-Carolina" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 8, 1806. p. 2. Retrieved June 28, 2023 .
^ "Legislature of South-Carolina" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 17, 1808. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Henry Middleton" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "Legislature of South-Carolina" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 20, 1810. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Joseph Alston" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "David Rogerson Williams" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "Andrew Pickens" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "Geddes John" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "none" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 12, 1818. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 . The Hon. John Geddes was, on Tuesday last, elected Governor of this State.
^ "Thomas Bennett" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "none" . The Evening Post . December 20, 1820. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 . The hon. Thomas Bennett was elected on the 7th inst. governor of the state of South CArolina...
^ "John Lyde Wilson" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "South-Carolina Legislature" . The Charleston Mercury . December 19, 1822. p. 1. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Richard Irvine Manning" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "From Columbia" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 7, 1824. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "John Taylor" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "Columbia" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 15, 1826. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Stephen Decatur Miller" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "none" . The Charleston Mercury . December 15, 1828. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 . At 12 o'clock, the inauguration of the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor elect, took place with the customary ceremonies.
^ "James Jr. Hamilton" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "From Columbia" . The Charleston Mercury . December 14, 1830. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Robert Young Hayne" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "South-Carolina Legislature" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 14, 1832. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "George McDuffie" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "State Legislature" . The Charleston Mercury . December 15, 1834. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Pierce Mason Butler" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "Patrick Noble" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 29, 2023 .
^ "South Carolina Legislature" . Edgefield Advertiser . December 27, 1838. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Barnabas Kelet Henagan" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Death of Gov. Noble" . The Charleston Daily Courier . April 13, 1840. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "John Peter Richardson II" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "The Inauguration" . Edgefield Advertiser . December 17, 1840. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "James Henry Hammond" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "South Carolina Legislature" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 12, 1842. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "William Aiken" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "South Carolina Legislature" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 12, 1844. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "David Johnson" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Governor Johnson's Inauguration" . Edgefield Advertiser . December 16, 1846. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Whitemarsh Benjamin Seabrook" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "From Columbia" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 15, 1848. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "John Hugh Means" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Proceedings of the So. Ca. Legislature" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 18, 1850. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "John Laurence Manning" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Legislative Proceedings - The Inauguration" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 16, 1852. p. 1. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "James Hopkins Adams" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Legislative Proceedings" . Edgefield Advertiser . December 20, 1854. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Robert Francis Withers Allston" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "South Carolina Legislature" . Yorkville Enquirer . December 18, 1856. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "William Henry Gist" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "The Inauguration" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 15, 1858. p. 1. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Francis Wilkinson Pickens" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "South Carolina Legislature" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 18, 1860. p. 1. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "1861 S.C. Const. art. II, § 2" . www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu . Retrieved December 20, 2023 .
^ "Milledge Luke Bonham" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Inauguration of Governor Bonham" . The Charleston Mercury . December 20, 1862. p. 1. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Andrew Gordon MacGrath" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "The Inauguration of Governor Magrath" . The Charleston Mercury . December 22, 1864. p. 1. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Benjamin Franklin Perry" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Presidential Proclamation No. 46, 30 June 1865, 13 Stat. 769 , 770
^ "James Lawrence Orr" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Journal of the Senate of the State of South Carolina" . The Daily Phoenix . November 30, 1865. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Robert Kingston Scott" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Inauguration of Gov. Scott" . The Daily Phoenix . July 10, 1868. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Franklin J. Moses" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "The Governor Elect" . The Charleston Daily Courier . December 4, 1872. p. 1. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Daniel Henry Chamberlain" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Inaugural Address of the Governor" . The Daily Phoenix . December 2, 1874. p. 3. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "Wade Hampton III" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Editorial Correspondence" . The Pickens Sentinel . December 21, 1876. p. 2. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ a b "Gov. Hampton's Farewell" . The News and Herald . March 4, 1879. p. 1. Retrieved July 3, 2023 .
^ "William Dunlap Simpson" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Thomas Bothwell Jeter" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Gov. Simpson's Farewell" . The Newberry Weekly Herald . September 8, 1880. p. 2. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Johnson Hagood" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Inauguration Day" . The News and Herald . December 2, 1880. p. 2. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Hugh Smith Thompson" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "The Inauguration" . Union Times . December 15, 1882. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "John Calhoun Sheppard" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "The Two Governors" . The Watchman and Southron . July 13, 1886. p. 2. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "John Peter Richardson" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "His Inaugural Address" . Yorkville Enquirer . December 8, 1886. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Benjamin Ryan Tillman" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "A Political Drama" . The Newberry Herald and News . December 11, 1890. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "John Gary Evans" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Evans Is Governor" . The Gaffney Ledger . December 7, 1894. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "William Haselden Ellerbe" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Governor Ellerbe" . The Times and Democrat . January 20, 1897. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Miles Benjamin McSweeney" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Gov. Ellerbe Dead" . The Intelligencer . June 7, 1899. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Duncan Clinch Heyward" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Our New Governor" . The Intelligencer . January 28, 1903. p. 4. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Martin Frederick Ansel" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Martin F. Ansel Is Now Chief Executive" . The County Record . January 17, 1907. p. 8. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Coleman Livingston Blease" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Takes Reins" . The Times and Democrat . January 19, 1911. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ a b "Gov. Blease Resigns and Lieut. Gov. Chas. Smith Succeeds Him" . The Columbia Record . January 14, 1915. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Charles A. Smith" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Richard Irvine Manning III" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Manning Took Oath As the Governor of South Carolina at Noon Today" . The Herald . January 19, 1915. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Robert Archer Cooper" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Robert A. Cooper Became Governor at 1:05 Yesterday" . The Greenville News . January 22, 1919. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Wilson Godfrey Harvey" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "New Governor Is Inaugurated at Noon Today" . The Columbia Record . May 20, 1922. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Thomas Gordon McLeod" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "McLeod Takes Oath As Chief Executive" . The State . January 17, 1923. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "John Gardiner Richards" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "John G. Richards Takes Office As Governor of S.C." The Press and Standard . January 19, 1927. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Ibra Charles Blackwood" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Inauguration of Governor Marked Yesterday at Capitol" . The Press and Standard . January 21, 1931. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ a b "Olin De Witt Talmadge Johnston" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Olin D. Johnston Is Inaugurated As New Governor" . The Item . Associated Press. January 15, 1935. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Burnet Rhett Maybank" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Governor Maybank for Progressive Regime" . The Greenville News . January 18, 1939. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Joseph Emile Harley" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Barnwell Attorney Is Sworn In Succeeding Senator-Elect" . The Herald . Associated Press. November 4, 1941. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Richard Manning Jeffries" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Jefferies Takes Oath As Governor of SC" . The State . March 3, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "S.C. Is Without Leader For Third Day As Jefferies Ponders Move" . The Index-Journal . Associated Press. March 2, 1942. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Johnston Envisions Dry South Carolina in Inaugural Talk" . The Greenville News . Associated Press. January 20, 1943. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Ransome Judson Williams" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Wood, Reginald L. (January 3, 1945). "Williams Takes Oath As Governor of This State" . The Greenville News . Associated Press. p. 2. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "James Strom Thurmond" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Freeman, Wayne (January 22, 1947). "Thurmond Inaugural Is Brilliant" . The Greenville News . p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "James Francis Byrnes" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Lavisky, Saul (January 17, 1951). "Crowd and Good Weather Brightened 'Byrnes Day' " . The Herald . p. 4. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "George Bell Timmerman" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Duncan, Alderman (January 19, 1955). "New Governor Out to Retain 'Way of Life' " . The Greenville News . Associated Press. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Ernest Frederick Hollings" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Hollings Is Inaugurated As State's Eightieth Governor" . The Times and Democrat . Associated Press. January 21, 1959. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Donald Stuart Russell" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Wickenberg, Charles H. (January 16, 1963). "Russell Takes Office; Urges Better Schools" . The State . p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "Robert Evander McNair" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Gov. McNair Inaugurated; Appoints Russell to Senate" . The Greenville News . Associated Press. April 23, 1965. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "John Carl West" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Milkie, Joyce W. (January 20, 1971). "Pomp, Ceremony and Just Plain Cold" . The Times and Democrat . p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ "S.C. Const. art. II, § 2" . www.stateconstitutions.umd.edu . Retrieved December 20, 2023 .
^ "James Burrows Edwards" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Sworn In As S.C.'s 86th Chief Executive" . The Columbia Record . January 15, 1975. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ a b "Richard Wilson Riley" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Surratt, W. Clark (January 11, 1979). "Gov. Riley Outlines Plans on S.C. Future" . The State . p. 1A. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ a b "Carroll A. Campbell" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Adams, Jerry (January 15, 1987). "Campbell: S.C. Should Be 'State of Opportunity' " . The State . p. 1A. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ a b "David M. Beasley" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Bandy, Lee (January 12, 1995). "GOP's Beasley Takes Oath As 113th Governor" . The State . p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ a b "Jim Hodges" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ "Hodges Takes Oath" . The State . January 14, 1999. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ a b "Mark Sanford" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Sheinin, Aaron; Harris, Kenneth A. (January 16, 2003). " 'Forward... With Each Other' " . The State . p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ a b "Nikki R. Haley" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
^ Davenport, Jim (January 13, 2011). "Haley Sworn In" . The Island Packet . Associated Press. p. 1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ a b Self, Jamie (January 25, 2017). "Haley Gets UN Post; McMaster Is Governor" . The State . p. A1. Retrieved July 4, 2023 .
^ a b "Henry McMaster" . National Governors Association . Retrieved June 30, 2023 .
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