Robert Smalls Monument Provides a Shift in South Carolina Statehouse

A Sign of Progress in Honoring African American History

A new era of recognition and appreciation appears to dawn on the state of South Carolina following an unanimous decision by the General Assembly to honor Civil War hero, Congressman, and Reconstruction leader, Robert Smalls. This ambitious move aims to establish the first Statehouse monument dedicated to a specific African American historical figure in the state.

This development is an effort to not only shed light on a still-too-unknown state leader but also enrich the understanding of the state’s complex past from a more diverse and inclusive perspective. This project resonates with the move by South Carolina to make history as the first state to dedicate a monument to African American history on capitol grounds in 2001.

Robert Smalls: A Profile of Courage and Resilience

Robert Smalls’ story begins in Beaufort, where he was born into slavery in 1839. The most acclaimed chapter of his life unfolded on the chilly early morning hours of May 13, 1862. Smalls, who was an enslaved pilot on the Planter, a Confederate ship, concocted a daring plan to escape while the white crew was ashore. Smalls, along with other enslaved crew members, took control of the Planter, navigated his way past the heavily armed forts and surrendered the ship and valuable Confederate defense information to the sprawling South Atlantic Blockading Squadron of the U.S Navy.

His inspiring tale of bravery and ingenuity blew across the country like a gust of wind, turning him into a national hero. Smalls also gained attention for his heroic contributions during war when he was promoted as the first black captain of an Army ship.

Prominent Advocate for Public Education and Political Leader

Embracing freedom, Smalls didn’t rest on his laurels but played an instrumental role in improving the lives of African Americans. He invested his reward money for seizing the Planter in a mansion in Beaufort, the same house where he was once enslaved. Turning to the political arena, he served as a delegate to the 1864 Republican National Convention and helped initiate a store for freedmen.

Smalls further campaigned for public education, contributing to the incorporation of public education in South Carolina’s new constitution in 1868. His political career peaked when he was elected to the state House, the Senate, and finally served five terms in Congress.

Monument Commission and Expected Timeline

The freshly established Robert Smalls Monument Commission and potential donors, along with others, are striving to expedite the process. The commission is supposed to form a nonprofit to help raise the several million dollars in private funds required for commissioning the monument.

Anticipation is growing for the monument’s expected dedication on July 4, 2026, on the 250th anniversary of America’s foundation. This reflects South Carolina’s transformed recognition of the complete scope and significance of its history and the individuals who bolstered it.

Honoring Robert Smalls with a Statehouse monument serves as a reminder of his legacy and creates an opportunity to learn and appreciate the inclusivity and diversity of American history. It is indeed promising to see this project come to fruition as it adds an enriching chapter to the history of South Carolina.