Gov. Robert Johnson

Son of Sir Nathaniel Johnson and Joanna Overton, Robert Johnson was born in 1682 in England. His father was the Governor of the Leeward Islands, and spent a portion of his youth there. His father’s career would later take the Johnson family abroad to the United States where he and his father would both have the opportunity to serve as Governors of the Province of South Carolina. Robert Johnson’s legacy is commemorated in Savannah, Georgia, where the city’s first square was named after him.

Sir Nathaniel Johnson would govern the Province of South Carolina from 1703 to 1709, where he held a great reputation with the townspeople. After his father’s term, Robert Johnson was asked to follow in his footsteps and serve as Governor himself, a position he held between 1717 to 1719. As the 19th Governor of South Carolina, Johnson had his work cut out for him. To his advantage, his father’s reputation helped him build his identity, and he won the confidence of the people quickly. 

Robert Johnson’s term as Governor would come to an end when he refused to take the position of king as the colony. The position was then offered to James Moore Jr. who accepted it. He returned to England, and in 1724, he began his search for a position in royal governorship. Just a few years later, the Carolina proprietors decided to sell the colony, and Robert Johnson offered to negotiate the transaction. His pitch resonated with the Carolina proprietors, and in 1729, he was elected yet again, and assumed the position of Royal Governor of South Carolina.

He traveled back to South Carolina, arriving in 1730. His return was well received once again by the townspeople, and during his term, one of his primary duties would be to oversee the Province of South Carolina’s new and innovative approaches for settling their borders. Through this new program, ten new townships were created, with each being made of 20,000 acres, and gave new settlers 50 acres each. This effort was considered a great success, and attracted hundreds of immigrants to South Carolina.

Robert Johnson was also heavily involved in the efforts to suppress pirates who were leaching off of South Carolina and the surrounding colonies. In Charleston, he personally led efforts and engaged with these pirates, successfully exterminating them. He effectively eliminated the biggest pirate threats, and is accredited with the deaths of two of their most prominent figures. He is also well regarded for helping General James Oglethorpe grow his colony as the first settlers of Georgia arrived. Gov. Johnson asked Colonel William Bull, one of his trusted advisors, to accompany Oglethorpe up the Savannah River to choose a site for the new colony. The city of Savannah commemorated Governor Johnson's many contributions by naming Johnson Square after him, which to this day remains a popular tourist destination. 

Needless to say, Robert Johnson left his mark on the South. He was well supported by the people, and remained in office as the Royal Governor until his death in Charleston in 1735. After his death, Robert Johnson’s in-law filled his position as acting governor.