COLUMBIA, S.C. — A bill awaiting Gov. Henry McMaster’s signature will memorialize Robert Smalls on State House grounds with a monument.
There are 27 monuments surrounding the State House dedicated to South Carolina's history. Lawmakers say adding one more will paint a complete picture of the Palmetto State.
“We have so many controversial things on these grounds, but this is gonna be a bright spot in our history,” said co-sponsor Rep. Jermaine Johnson (D-Richland County).
Smalls was born into slavery in 1839, but then escaped, sailing himself and his crew to freedom on a Confederate ship during the Civil War. He later served in the state legislature and congress.
“He is a historic figure in South Carolina history that represents so much good about our state and our nation,” said lead sponsor Rep. Brandon Cox (R-Berkeley county). “We're moving ahead. Nine years ago, there was another symbol on the State House grounds that was very controversial, and I'm glad it's gone, and I think we're moving in a positive direction in the state of South Carolina.”
Johnson said Smalls’ story resonates with people regardless of their race or political party.
“This just being a savior story, just, you know, just redemption and being able to do what we all know that Americans can do.”
Six years ago, Sens. Greg Gregory and Darrell Jackson introduced legislation calling for a State House monument to Smalls. It never passed.
The African American History Monument is the only monument on the grounds dedicated to Black history.
Smalls will be the first individual black South Carolinian recognized with a statue on State House grounds.
“My children's children will be able to come up here and see and learn about from the soil from whence they come, and it's gonna be an amazing opportunity for them, just to know the heroes that come from the same place they come from,” said Johnson.
The bill creates a commission to design the monument, decide where to put it and raise money to pay for it. How much money would be needed is not yet known.
“I am not concerned about finding private donations for a statute of Robert Smalls on State House grounds,” said Cox.
The deadline for finalizing plans for the statue is January 15th
Sen. Shane Massey introduced legislation to commission a portrait of smalls to hang in the Senate Chamber, but it didn’t pass this year.