Zebulon Baird Vance

Zebulon Baird Vance (May 13,1830--April 14,1894) was an American Civil War hero and three-time Governor of North Carolina. A prodigious writer, Vance became one of the most influential southern leaders of the Civil War and post-bellum periods.

Ante-Bellum Career

At the age of twenty-four Vance ran for a seat in the State House of Commons as a Whig, beating a man twice his age. He was defeated in 1856, but went on to win election to the United States House of Representatives. This was the last time Vance would be defeated in an election.

Related Topics:
State House of Commons - Whig - 1856 - United States House of Representatives

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At the age of twenty-eight, Vance was the youngest member of Congress. While in Congress, Vance was a staunch supporter of the Union and states' rights. In March of 1861, however, when indications were that the North Carolina legislature was going to vote for secession, he resigned his seat and returned home.

Related Topics:
Congress - Union - States' rights - 1861 - North Carolina - Legislature - Secession

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