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The Regulator Movement in South Carolina

A Regulator movement developed in the 1760s in western South Carolina among groups interested in establishing law and order. Outlaw gangs had formed in the area and the assembly failed on several occasions to provide funding for peace officers and local courts. Organizations of citizens were formed to regulate governmental affairs and eventually operated the courts in some districts. The governor and assembly realized the legitimacy of Regulators' cause and in 1769 enacted legislation providing for the necessary reforms.


A somewhat different form of "Regulator movement" existed at roughly the same time in North Carolina.