William Charles Cole Claiborne (1775–1817) was a politician and military officer who served as Louisiana’s first territorial and state governor from 1812 through 1816. Claiborne’s biography is sparse, but it is known that he was born in Virginia in 1775. Early in his political career, Claiborne crossed paths with and befriended Thomas Jefferson. Notably, their friendship was solidified in the election of 1800, which led to a tie for the presidency between Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Claiborne ultimately supported Jefferson, who prevailed to become president. He served as a member of Congress and was eventually sent to Mississippi to serve as the territorial governor. In December 1803, Claiborne was appointed as one of the commissioners sent by Thomas Jefferson to formally accept and take possession of Louisiana from the French under the Louisiana Purchase. In 1804, he was officially appointed governor of the Orleans territory by President Jefferson, but his job would be difficult because of tensions in the region.