LEADERSHIP IN EDGEFIELD, SC

The question which is most often asked about Edgefield is “Why is it that Edgefield has contributed an inordinately large portion, for its size and population, of the political leaders of our state and nation?” The answer to this question is that a group of remarkably gifted men came to this courthouse village in the early 19th century and created an intellectual and social environment which attracted other ambitious and able young men and inspired them to embark on political careers. In turn, the examples of this second generation inspired successive generations to pursue political careers as well. This Edgefield political tradition has continued to perpetuate itself through nearly two centuries.

The initial group, or “galaxy” as it has been called, which came here in the early 19th century included Eldred Simkins, Edmund Bacon and George McDuffie. The wealthy Simkins provided the resources, including the office facilities, the library and the hospitality, which attracted a number of capable young men. Bacon’s magnetic personality, social skills and literary intellect made Edgefield an entertaining place in which to live. McDuffie’s passionate commitment to political principles, his highly emotional style of oratory and his willingness to take courageous positions inspired those young men who followed him. Because of his example, they chose to pursue political careers and became real leaders. By the time of the nullification controversy of 1832, the Edgefield leadership style had been firmly established. The generations which followed had a clear map to follow.

The qualities of the original “galaxy” were passed on to the next generation of Edgefieldians which included Pierce Butler, Pickens Butler, Louis Wigfall, James Henry Hammond, Preston Brooks and Francis Pickens. These leaders played a major role in the period leading up to and through the Civil War. Their examples in turn inspired Calbraith Butler, Mart Gary and George Tillman who led the state through the War and Reconstruction and beyond. In turn their contributions inspired Ben Tillman and John Sheppard who managed the state through the last decades of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century. Finally, Strom Thurmond, imbued as he was with the Edgefield political tradition, embarked on his career in the late 1920s and served for the amazing period of nearly three quarters of a century.