Charles Morgan (military governor)
Charles Morgan (born circa 1770s, died circa 1820s) was an American military officer who served as the military governor of Spanish West Florida following its occupation by the United States in 1812. Little is definitively known about his early life and military career prior to this appointment.
In 1812, during the War of 1812, the United States, under the authority of President James Madison, authorized General George Mathews to seize Spanish Florida. Morgan was appointed as the military governor of the portion of West Florida taken by the U.S. forces, specifically the district east of the Pearl River. He was responsible for maintaining order and establishing American administration in the newly occupied territory.
His tenure as military governor was fraught with challenges. The legitimacy of the American occupation was disputed by Spain, and the local population was divided in their loyalties, with some supporting the U.S., others remaining loyal to Spain, and still others advocating for an independent West Florida. Morgan faced difficulties in establishing effective governance and resolving conflicting land claims. He attempted to implement American laws and customs, but his authority was constantly undermined by Spanish sympathizers and the overall instability of the region.
The occupation of West Florida was controversial within the United States itself, and after Mathews's actions were disavowed by the Madison administration, Morgan's position became increasingly tenuous. He was eventually replaced as governor when the U.S. government sought to de-escalate tensions with Spain.
Details of Morgan's life after his service as military governor are scarce. Historical records indicate he continued to be involved in land speculation in the region. The exact date and circumstances of his death are not definitively known. His legacy is primarily tied to his brief and turbulent period as the U.S. military governor of West Florida during a critical period of territorial expansion and international conflict.