United States Governor Directory

George Howard

George Howard served as Governor of Maryland.

  • Whig
  • Maryland
  • Former
Portrait of George HowardMaryland
Role Governor

Current assignment referenced in the congressional directory.

State Maryland

Representing constituents across the Maryland delegation.

Service period 1831-1833

Years of public service formally recorded.

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Biography

GEORGE HOWARD, son of former governor John Eager Howard, was born in Annapolis, Maryland on November 21, 1789. His education was attained through private tutoring. Before entering politics, Howard owned and managed a large estate now located in Howard County. In January 1831, he was elected to the Governors’ Executive Council, a position he held six months. On July 8, 1831, Governor Daniel Martin passed away, and Howard, who was president of the Council at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. After completing Martin’s term, Howard was elected in 1832 to his own gubernatorial term. During his tenure, the establishment of a state bank was endorsed; the endowment of Maryland Colleges was promoted; and a state slaveholders association was formed. Also, lotteries and the South Carolina nullification movement were both opposed. After declining to run for reelection, Howard left office on January 17, 1833. He went on to serve as a presidential elector in 1836 and 1840. Governor George Howard passed away on August 2, 1846, and was buried at the St. Paul’s Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland.

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