The term "Bourbon" refers to rulers who are unable to adapt to new situations and who espouse ideas suited for former eras.
[7] Gordon distinguished himself as a formidable leader, and was present at Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomatox Court House.
[9][10] Grady was an important part of the "Atlanta Ring" of prominent citizens who furthered these policies, which included fellow Atlanta Constitution editor Evan Howell and the three politicians who made up the Bourbon Triumvirate: Brown, Colquitt, and Gordon.
Brown briefly joined the Republican Party and was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, a post he would hold from 1865 to 1870.
[1] This situation was controversial, as Gordon had resigned in order to promote the state-owned Western and Atlantic Railroad, of which Brown had been serving as president of prior to his appointment to the Senate.
[7] The idea that a bargain had been made between the three was widespread, and Colquitt in particular faced criticism from within the Democratic Party over his role in the situation.
[19] This was most evident in the debate over tariffs, which Brown supported and Colquitt opposed, jeopardizing the alliance between agriculturalists and industrialists in the state.
[1][3] Additional factors that lead to the triumvirate's demise included the rise of prominent Georgia politician Thomas E. Watson and the death of Henry Grady.
[1] Modern historians debate the accuracy of the term as applied to Brown, Colquitt, and Gordon.