Gadsden was the family name of two famous South Carolinians, grandfather and grandson.
Christopher Gadsden
(1724-1805) was a leader in America’s struggle for independence from Britain. He became known as the Flame of Liberty. Gadsden served in the Continental Congress, as an officer in the Continental Army, and twice as lieutenant governor of South Carolina. He was born on Feb. 16, 1724 (1723, according to the calendar then in use), in Charleston and died there on Aug. 28, 1805.
James Gadsden
(1788-1858) arranged the purchase of a strip of border land from Mexico in 1853, while serving as U.S. minister to Mexico. The land became known as the Gadsden Purchase. Gadsden was also a railroad executive. He played a key role in Florida’s development. He was born in Charleston, and was graduated from Yale University. He died in Charleston on Dec. 26, 1858.
