This Day in Georgia History
November 09, 1886
John B. Gordon Sworn in as Governor
John B. Gordon was sworn in as Georgia governor for the first of two consecutive two-year terms. Born in Upson County on Feb. 6, 1832, he attended the University of Georgia for two years, but withdrew and read law. Gordon was admitted to the bar in 1854 and practiced law in Atlanta. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Gordon rose through the ranks eventually becoming one of three Georgians to hold the rank of lieutenant general. After the war, he served as U.S. Senator (1873-80), Georgia governor (1886-90), and again U.S. Senator (1891-97). Gordon died in Miami on Jan. 9, 1904.
To view an image of John B. Gordon, see the Digital Library of Georgia.
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Source: Photo: Ed Jackson
