December 1872

Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback assumes the governorship of Louisiana after the impeachment of Gov. Henry Warmoth, serving until January 13, 1873. The son of a Mississippi planter and an enslaved woman, he remains the only Black governor in American history until Douglas Wilder in 1990.

P.B.S. Pinchback served as Acting Governor of Louisiana from December 9, 1872 to January 13, 1873, after Governor Henry Clay Warmoth was impeached. Son of a white Mississippi planter and a formerly enslaved woman, Pinchback was the first Black governor in U.S. history. He later won election to both the Senate and House, though Congress denied him both seats.

P.B.S. Pinchback served as Acting Governor of Louisiana December 9, 1872 to January 13, 1873, after Gov. Henry Clay Warmoth was impeached — the first Black governor in U.S. history. Son of a white planter and a formerly enslaved woman, Pinchback later won election to the Senate and House, though Congress denied him both seats.

Pinchback serves as Louisiana governor — the first Black governor in US history.