Born in Buncombe County in January 4, 1801, David Lowry Swain was the youngest state governor at the time of his election. He served for two consecutive terms from 1832 to 1835. His political career included five years as a state legislator, a period as teacher at and president of the University of North Carolina, and advisor to later governors Vance and Worth. During Governor Swain's term in the governor's office, the foundation for the new Capitol was laid, the prior State House having being destroyed by fire. While a state legislator, he was influential in getting a bill passed to construct the French Broad Turnpike as a route to open western North Carolina to commerce. As university president, he obtained additional operating funds and guided an enrollment increase from ninety to 500 students. In the following years he worked as the state agent for the collection of historical material and compiled a documentary history of the state which was published as the colonial and state records. He founded the State Historical Society, which was the first significant historical museum. During the period of and immediately after the War Between the States, he was able to keep the University open for students until 1868, when he was forced to close the doors. He is buried in historic Oakwood Cemetery.