Claiborne Fox Jackson (1806-1862) was an American politician who served as the 15th Governor of Missouri. He was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, and later moved to Missouri where he became involved in state politics.
Jackson was a pro-slavery advocate and a member of the Democratic Party. He gained popularity among the rural, pro-slavery population of Missouri, a state that was divided on the issue of slavery leading up to the American Civil War.
During his tenure as governor from 1861 to 1862, Jackson sought to maintain Missouri's status as a slave state and expressed sympathy towards the secessionist cause. However, his views clashed with the Unionist majority in Missouri, leading to a political crisis within the state.
In 1861, tensions escalated between Confederate sympathizers and Union loyalists, resulting in the formation of competing governments in Missouri. Jackson aligned himself with the Confederacy and was eventually removed from office by the Unionist provisional government.
Despite being removed from office, Jackson continued to work towards the secession of Missouri from the Union. However, his efforts were thwarted by the Union army's occupation of the state. He died of cancer in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1862.
Claiborne Fox Jackson's political legacy remains controversial, as he is viewed by some as a champion of states' rights and the Southern cause, while others see him as a divisive figure who undermined the Union cause during the Civil War.
