Wade Hampton was a prominent figure in American history, known for his roles as a Confederate cavalry leader during the American Civil War and later as a politician in South Carolina. Born in 1818, he became a wealthy plantation owner and was involved in various business ventures before the war. His military leadership earned him recognition, and he played a significant role in several key battles. After the war, Hampton transitioned into politics, serving as the governor of South Carolina from 1876 to 1879. He was a member of the Democratic Party and worked to restore white supremacy in the post-war South. His legacy is complex, reflecting both his military service and his controversial political actions during the Reconstruction era.