Gadsden

Gadsden, family name of two distinguished South Carolinians. Christopher Gadsden (1724–1805) became known as the Flame of Liberty for his participation in the Revolutionary War as an officer in the Continental Army, and as lieutenant governor of South Carolina. James Gadsden (1788–1858), Christopher's grandson, was an army officer, diplomat, and railroad executive. As U.S. minister to Mexico, he arranged for the purchase of the land that now makes up much of Arizona and New Mexico.