James Wilkinson

Photo:  Brigadier General James Wilkinson by Samuel M. Wilson.  Archives of the University of Kentucky

When Congress organized the Louisiana Territorial government in 1805, President Jefferson chose Brigadier General James Wilkinson to be governor. Wilkinson was a senior officer in the U.S. Army and commander of the country’s western military.

Trained as a physician, Wilkinson left his career to fight in the American Revolution. He quickly rose through the ranks and by 1803 he often described himself as the next George Washington.

But, unbeknownst to Jefferson, Wilkinson was more loyal to Spain than he was to the U.S. – he was on the Spanish payroll. By being in St. Louis, Wilkinson was even closer to Spanish officials in Texas so he could share his knowledge of America’s intentions in Louisiana.

Jefferson was forced to defend Wilkinson within a year, but the governor clearly seemed incapable of maintaining a stable government in the territory. So, Jefferson ordered Wilkinson to retake military command of the troops stationed in the southwest, and vacate the governor’s office in St. Louis. In his place, the president named Meriwether Lewis, who also faced his own challenges and issues as governor.