John Peter Richardson III (September 25, 1831 – July 6, 1899) was the 83rd governor of South Carolina from 1886 to 1890.

After graduating from South Carolina College in 1849, Richardson managed Elmswood Plantation in Clarendon County.

Richardson was not active in politics during the Reconstruction era, however in 1880 he returned as state Treasurer.

The recently formed Farmers' Association has significant influence in Richardson's nomination for candidacy.

Richardson initially opposed the creation of Clemson, because he thought that it would siphon funds away from the already existing University of South Carolina.