born March 28, 1818, Charleston, S.C., U.S.
died April 11, 1902, Columbia, S.C.
U.S. political leader and Confederate army officer.
He studied law but never practiced, prefering instead to manage his family's plantations in Mississippi and South Carolina. From 1852 to 1861 he served in the South Carolina legislature. In the American Civil War he organized and led "Hampton's Legion" of South Carolina troops for the Confederate States of America and saw combat in many key battles. He eventually served as second in command under Jeb Stuart . After Stuart's death, Hampton was promoted to major general and led the cavalry (1864). After the war he sought reconciliation but opposed the policies of Reconstruction . As governor of South Carolina (187679), he led the fight to restore white supremacy. He later served in the U.S. Senate (187991).
Wade Hampton
By courtesy of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.