Crawford was born in Columbia County, Georgia. He graduated from Princeton College in 1820 and studied law. In 1822, he passed his bar examination and began to practice law in Augusta, Georgia. He was the state attorney general from 1827 to 1831. In 1827, he married Mary Ann McIntosh. In 1828, Crawford killed Congressman Thomas E. Burnside in a duel. In 1837, Crawford was elected as a member of the Georgia legislature, where he served until 1842. He then was elected as a Whig to fill the seat in the United States House of Representatives that had become vacant upon the death of Richard W. Habersham. He served in the house from January 7, 1843 to March 3, 1843. Between 1843 and 1847, he served as governor. As governor, he helped expand the Western and Atlantic Railroad, redraw congressional maps, and established the Georgia Supreme Court. He then served as Secretary of War from 1849 until 1850 under Zachary Taylor. In 1861, he presided over the Georgia state secession convention. He died on his estate near Augusta.

This article incorporates facts obtained from the public domain Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

Preceded by: Charles J. McDonald Governor of Georgia 1843-1847 Succeeded by: George W. Towns Preceded by: William L. Marcy United States Secretary of War 1849-1850 Succeeded by: Charles Magill Conrad