Benjamin Tillman was an American politician and a prominent figure in South Carolina during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He served as the governor of South Carolina from 1890 to 1894 and later as a U.S. senator from 1895 until his death in 1918. Tillman was known for his populist views and his advocacy for agrarian interests, particularly among white farmers. Tillman was also a controversial figure due to his strong support for white supremacy and his role in the violent suppression of African American political rights. His legacy is complex, as he is remembered for both his contributions to Southern agriculture and his promotion of racial segregation, which had lasting impacts on the state and the nation.