Edward Douglass White 1835-1839

Born: March 3, 1795 in Maury County, Tennessee
Political Affiliation: Whig
Religious Affiliation: Catholic
Education: University of Nashville, 1815
Career Prior to Term: New Orleans City Court Judge; sugar planter; U.S. Representative
How He Became Governor: Elected in 1834
Career after Term: Congressman for two years before retirement (championed construction of the U.S. Mint in New Orleans); returned to sugar plantation in 1843.
Died: April 18, 1847 in New Orleans

Edward Douglass White's governorship came in the middle of Whig dominance of the office. The sugar planters of the more populous Acadian parishes supported the pro-tariff Whigs and Alexander Porter led the state Whig Party. Democratic Party enemies of White accused him of being Porter's puppet.

White had been a Congressman, respected by both parties, before he ran for governor and he returned to Washington after his term.

The economic depression caused by the Panic of 1837 marred White's four years as Chief Executive. The Panic developed when the under-capitalized and over-expanded banks began foreclosing mortgages on plantations and businesses throughout Louisiana.

White signed the charter creating the Medical College of Louisiana in 1837 which was the forerunner of Tulane University. His son, Edward Douglas White, later served as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

White died in New Orleans in 1847.  

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