South Carolina Governors – Benjamin Guerard, 1783-1785

South Carolina SC History SC Governors Governor Benjamin Guerard

Also see: SC Government

Biographical Overview Born: 1740 in Charleston Died: December 21, 1788 in Charleston Religion: Huguenot Political Party: No party affiliation
Education Unknown: Please add info here.
Occupation Lawyer

Major Events and Accomplishments, 1783–1785

• 1783 – Guerard was the first Huguenot to be elected governor of South Carolina
  
• 1783 – Charlestown was incorporated as a city and officially adopted the name Charleston
  
• The cultivation of cotton for export began on a limited scale
  

Other Government Positions

• South Carolina Provincial Assembly, 1765-1768
  
• South Carolina House of Representatives, 1779-1780, 1783
  
• South Carolina Senate, 1782
  

Other Accomplishments, Honors, Distinctions

• Guerard offered his entire estate to raise funds to provide for his fellow prisoners while being held by the British as a prisoner of war
  
• 1782 – Guerard served on the council that negotiated the withdrawal of the British from Charleston
  

Election Results

• In 1783, the South Carolina General Assembly elected Guerard for governor by secret ballot.