Edward Hyde (Governor of North Carolina)

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Edward Hyde (1667 – September 8, 1712) was a British colonial official who served as the first Governor of North Carolina from 1711 until his death in 1712. His tenure was marked by significant challenges, including political unrest and conflict with Native American tribes.

Early Life

Edward Hyde was born in 1667 in England. He was a member of the prominent Hyde family, which included his cousin Anne Hyde, the first wife of James II of England. Little is known about his early life and education.

Appointment as Governor

In 1710, Edward Hyde was appointed as the first Governor of the separate colony of North Carolina, which had previously been part of the Province of Carolina. His appointment was part of an effort to bring stability and order to the colony, which had been plagued by political factionalism and disputes over land.

Tenure as Governor

Hyde's tenure as governor was fraught with difficulties. Shortly after his arrival, he faced opposition from a faction led by Thomas Cary, a former deputy governor. This conflict, known as Cary's Rebellion, erupted into violence in 1711. Hyde was able to suppress the rebellion with the help of militia forces from Virginia.

Tuscarora War

One of the most significant events during Hyde's governorship was the outbreak of the Tuscarora War in 1711. The Tuscarora people, angered by the encroachment of settlers on their lands and unfair trading practices, launched attacks on colonial settlements. Hyde sought assistance from neighboring colonies and managed to secure aid from South Carolina, which sent troops to help quell the uprising.

Death and Legacy

Edward Hyde's time as governor was cut short when he died of yellow fever on September 8, 1712. His death left the colony in a precarious situation, but his efforts to stabilize the region and address the challenges it faced laid the groundwork for future governance.

Hyde's legacy is remembered as one of the early attempts to establish effective colonial administration in North Carolina. Despite the turmoil of his tenure, his leadership during a critical period in the colony's history is acknowledged.

See Also

• List of colonial governors of North Carolina
• History of North Carolina
• Tuscarora War
• Cary's Rebellion