Topics Related to Governors

Competing Claims to Governorship, 1690

On June 2, 1690, John Gibbs issued a declaration claiming his right to the governorship of Carolina and called on the people to obey him.

Last Royal Governor Ruled from Offshore

On May 24, 1775, Josiah Martin, the last royal governor of North Carolina, fled Tryon Palace under cover of darkness.

Gov. Tryon Takes on the Regulators at Alamance

On May 16, 1771, the Battle of Alamance was fought.

Birthday of Zeb Vance—the State’s Champion

On May 13, 1830, Zebulon Baird Vance was born in the Reems Creek area of Buncombe County. Raised in Asheville, Vance studied at the University of North Carolina.

Former Governor Clyde Hoey Died at His U.S. Senate Desk, 1954

On May 12, 1954, Clyde Hoey died in his office in the U.S. Capitol.

States’ Rights Champion, Governor and Senator David Reid

On April 19, 1813, David Settle Reid, governor and member of both houses of Congress, was born in Rockingham County.

Governor Thomas Holt, Textile Magnate, Friend of Education

Governor Thomas Holt.

Charles B. Aycock and His Mixed Legacy

On April 11, 1900, Charles B. Aycock was unanimously nominated as the Democratic candidate for governor of North Carolina.

Jim Hunt Takes the Stage, 1976

On April 5, 1976, James Baxter Hunt Jr. announced his intention to run for governor of North Carolina.

Governor O. Max Gardner and the Great Depression

On March 22, 1882, Governor Oliver Max Gardner, whose political organization known as the “Shelby Dynasty” dominated state politics for a generation, was born in Cleveland County.