The 10 Greatest Governors in New York State History
The majestic renovation of the Hall of Governors in the Capitol building invites New Yorkers to reflect upon the rich history of our state’s executive branch. The 56 governors New York has had since the founding of our country include four men who became president of the United States, six who became vice president, one who was a chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court before assuming office and another who became chief justice two decades after serving in Albany. But who is the greatest of these great leaders? We assembled a panel of distinguished professors and historians from across the state to weigh in on this question. The following pages reveal their selections. We hope this list spurs debate and gets you thinking about our proud past.