State Web Site

Higher Office(s) Served: Representative

THOMAS B. ROBERTSON was born near Petersburg, Virginia on February 27 around 1775. His education was attained at William and Mary College, from which he graduated in 1797. He then studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1806, and established a legal practice in Petersburg. After moving to the Orleans Territory in 1807, Robertson entered politics, serving as secretary of the territory, a position he held until 1811. In 1812, Louisiana was admitted to the Union. Robertson was then elected the state's first representative to Congress, where he served from 1812 to 1818. He was elected governor by a popular vote on July 3, 1820. After being confirmed by the legislature, he was sworn into office on December 18, 1820. During his tenure, the Legion of Louisiana was established, parish school legislation was sanctioned, a usury bill favoring Americans was vetoed, road improvements were approved, and riots between Americans and Creoles were dealt with. On November 15, 1824, Robertson resigned from office to accept a U.S. federal judgeship for the district of Louisiana, a position he held until 1827. Governor Thomas B. Robertson passed away on October 5, 1828, and was buried at the Copeland Hill Cemetery, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Sources:

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

Dawson III, Joseph G. The Louisiana Governors: From Iberville to Edwards. Baton Rouge: Lousiana State University Press, 1990.

Encyclopedia Louisiana

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Virtual American Biographies