Alcohol Beverage Control Commission

During Campbell’s two terms as governor, South Carolina experienced Hurricane Hugo, a major recession, and the “Lost Trust” vote buying scandal in the General Assembly. These events gave him the opportunity to increase the stature and decision-making authority of the governor.

As governor, Edwards won praise, and even his detractors admitted that the former oral surgeon had done considerably better than expected.

Except for the tragedy at Orangeburg in February 1968, McNair saw the state peacefully through the stormy times without yielding on major policy issues. Settlement of the Charleston strike without union recognition in 1969 and keeping USC open in 1970 without serious injury to students were foremost among many public demonstrations in the state in which his moderate leadership was credited with minimizing violence.

The constabulary’s prime mission of countering illegal whiskey was difficult and dangerous. Remote areas in mountains and swamps saw a near fanatical belief by residents that laws from beyond their domain held no sway in their territory. “Moonshine” liquor was part of the culture and a way some chose to earn a living when times were tough.

From its fledgling beginnings of approximately fifteen employees, SLED grew into a state-of-the-art agency with sworn and civilian employees.