Governor of Virginia

The Governor of Virginia serves as the chief executive of the Commonwealth of Virginia for a four-year term. The position is currently held by Democrat Mark Warner whose term expires in January, 2006. The current Lieutenant Governor, Democrat Tim Kaine, Attorney General, Republican Jerry Kilgore, and independent Russ Potts are running to fill the position.

History

The position of Governor of Virginia dates back to the first permanent English settlement in America, Jamestown. The Virginia Company of London set up a government run by a council. The President of the Council basically served as governor. The council was based in London and controlled the colony from afar. Nominally, Thomas Smith was the first President of the Council, but he never left England. Edward Maria Wingfield was the first President of the Council in residence, making him the first to exercise the actual authority of governing Virginia. The Virginia Company abandoned governance by council May 23, 1609 and replacing it with a Governor, John Smith.

Related Topics:
English - America - Jamestown - Virginia Company of London - Thomas Smith - Edward Maria Wingfield - May 23 - 1609 - John Smith

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http://www.apva.org/history/timeline.html

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In 1624, the English Monarchy took control from the Virginia Company and made Virginia a crown colony. Governors continued to be appointed by the monarch for many years. Most often, the appointed Governor would reside in England while a Deputy or Lieutenant Governor actually exercised authority. Royal rule was interrupted during the English Civil War after which Governors were appointed by the Commonwealth of England until the English Restoration. Virginia became an independent state during the American Revolution with Patrick Henry as its first Governor.

Related Topics:
1624 - Crown colony - English Civil War - Commonwealth of England - English Restoration - American Revolution - Patrick Henry

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From the Revolution until 1852, the Governor was elected by the state legislature. After 1852, the state turned to popular elections.

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During the American Civil War, Francis Harrison Pierpont was the Governor of the Union controlled parts of the state. Pierpont also served as one of the provisional Governors during Reconstruction. These governors were appointed by the Federal government. In 1874, Virginia regained its right to self-governance and elected James L. Kemper as Governor. After Reconstruction, Virginia would not elect a Republican as Governor until A. Linwood Holton Jr. in 1970.

Related Topics:
American Civil War - Francis Harrison Pierpont - Reconstruction - James L. Kemper - A. Linwood Holton Jr. - 1970

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Doug Wilder became the first elected African-American Governor of a U.S State. He served as Governor from 1990-1994.

Related Topics:
Doug Wilder - African-American - 1990 - 1994

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