Wade Hampton III

Wade Hampton III was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and graduated from South Carolina College in 1836. He began his political career by being elected to the South Carolina General Assembly and later became a state senator. Upon inheriting a substantial fortune, plantations, and enslaved people, Hampton transitioned from state politics to military service during the Civil War. He commanded various cavalry units and divisions, earning promotions and recognition for his leadership. After the war, Hampton returned to politics, serving as governor of South Carolina and as a U.S. Senator, followed by a role as United States Railroad Commissioner.

Wade Hampton III's political identity is steeped in the Lost Cause ideology, which romanticizes the Confederacy and minimizes the brutality of slavery. He consistently opposed Reconstruction policies, particularly those aimed at empowering African Americans, and supported white supremacy through groups like the Red Shirts. Despite his post-war roles, his rhetoric and actions reveal an unyielding commitment to preserving the antebellum social order, creating a unique and controversial ideological stance.