William D. Bloxham graduated from The College of William & Mary and pursued a legal career, eventually becoming a planter. He entered politics early, campaigning for James Buchanan and later serving in the Florida House of Representatives. During the Civil War, he organized and commanded an infantry company. Bloxham's political career included a contentious Lieutenant Governor election and two terms as Governor of Florida, where he focused on land development and economic growth. He notably signed the Disston Land Purchase agreement, which aimed to drain the Everglades. His tenure also saw efforts to regulate railroads, restrict monopolies, and improve government efficiency by creating a statewide auditor and allowing women to serve as public notaries.

William D. Bloxham's political identity is marked by a blend of traditionalism and calculated modernization. His support for the Disston Land Purchase to drain the Everglades reflects a forward-thinking approach to economic development, yet his plantation ownership and adherence to Southern values suggest a deep-rooted conservatism. Bloxham's efforts to regulate railroads and monopolies, alongside his progressive stance on allowing women to serve as public notaries, reveal a nuanced and ideologically agile strategy. His approach to governance, balancing regional development with social reforms, presents an intriguing tension between traditional Southern values and progressive policy measures.