Governor William Carroll

WILLIAM CARROLL was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Although his formal education was limited, he learned bookkeeping, surveying, and the principles of mathematics, putting them to good use in what was to become a successful business career. He moved to Nashville in 1810 and soon attracted the favorable attention of Andrew Jackson, under whom he served as Brigade Inspector and Major General in the Creek Campaign as well as in the War of 1812. After the war he resumed his business career in Nashville before undertaking a successful campaign for governor. He was reelected twice without opposition, and after a constitutionally-required interval of two years, he was reelected to three additional terms unopposed. He was defeated for an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in 1835. Known as the “Reform Governor,” Carroll is known for having put Tennessee on sound financial footing during his years as chief executive, as well as for the enactment of progressive legislation during his administrations. After leaving office, he returned to private life and to his land holdings in Tennessee and Mississippi. He died and was buried in Nashville. Carroll county is named in his honor.