Ben Tillman was an American politician who served as the Governor of South Carolina from 1890 to 1894. He was a prominent member of the Democratic Party and played a significant role in the state's politics during the late 19th century. Tillman was known for his populist views and his efforts to promote agricultural interests. Tillman was also a key figure in the White Supremacy movement in the South, advocating for policies that disenfranchised African American voters. His tenure was marked by controversial actions, including the implementation of the Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and inequality in the region.