William Gilpin (governor)

William Gilpin (October 4, 1813 – January 20, 1894) was an American politician, lawyer, land speculator, and military figure. He served as the first governor of the Territory of Colorado, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1861.

Born in Brandywine Township, Pennsylvania, Gilpin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and later studied law. He served in the United States Army during the Seminole Wars and the Mexican-American War.

Gilpin was a strong advocate for westward expansion and a proponent of the "Manifest Destiny" doctrine. He believed in the vast potential of the American West and actively sought to develop and populate the region. As governor of Colorado Territory, he faced numerous challenges, including the outbreak of the Civil War, conflicts with Native American tribes, and economic difficulties.

His tenure as governor was short-lived and controversial. He was removed from office in 1862 due to allegations of financial irregularities related to his issuance of drafts to fund the territorial militia during the Civil War. While never formally convicted, the controversy effectively ended his political career.

Despite the controversy surrounding his governorship, Gilpin remained a prominent figure in Colorado. He continued to promote western development through his writings and land speculation ventures. He is credited with coining the phrase "the Pike's Peak or Bust" during the Gold Rush era. He is also known for his writings on the "unwritten laws" of human history and the development of civilization.

William Gilpin died in Denver, Colorado, and is remembered as a complex and significant figure in the history of Colorado and the American West.