Francis Nicholson
A brash soldier who shaped the early American colonies through relentless ambition and a string of contentious governorships.
1655–1727 (age 72)·British soldier and colonial governor·Birthday: November 12
Biography
Francis Nicholson's career was a relentless march across the Atlantic, fueled by military ambition and a taste for authority. Beginning as a soldier under colonial strongman Edmund Andros, he quickly grasped the mechanics of power in the New World. His governorship of Maryland was marked by establishing the provincial capital at Annapolis, but his temperament—often described as volatile and haughty—made him as many enemies as allies. In Virginia, he championed the founding of the College of William & Mary, revealing a paradoxical streak of cultural patronage. Later, as governor of South Carolina, he aggressively pushed the colony's expansion, clashing with both indigenous nations and Spanish Florida. Nicholson was less a visionary administrator than a forceful implementer of imperial will, leaving a legacy etched in colonial town plans and frontier conflicts.
#1 When Francis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1655
Francis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1655Born
1660Started school
1668Became a teenager
1671Could drive
1673Could vote
1676Turned 21
1685Turned 30
1695Turned 40
1705Turned 50
1715Turned 60
1725Turned 70
1727Died at 72
Key Achievements
- Served as the colonial governor of four distinct territories: Maryland, Virginia, Nova Scotia, and South Carolina.
- Played a key role in establishing the city of Annapolis as the capital of Maryland.
- Was a significant early advocate and fundraiser for the College of William & Mary in Virginia.
- Led military expeditions to secure the southern frontier of the English colonies against Spanish and indigenous forces.
Did You Know?
He was known for his fiery temper and was once accused of beating a colonial sheriff with a cane.
Nicholson never married, and his personal life was the subject of much contemporary speculation.
He was a dedicated book collector and left a substantial library at his death.
As lieutenant-governor, he was in Boston during the 1689 revolt that overthrew the Dominion of New England.
“A colony is built on order, a firm garrison, and the collection of lawful revenue.”
