Columbia, South Carolina, September 26, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Statehouse will soon honor African American Civil War hero Robert Smalls with its first statue dedicated to an individual African American. This decision reflects a significant shift in recognizing the contributions of historically marginalized figures. State Representatives Brandon Cox and Jermaine Johnson have successfully led this bipartisan initiative, aiming to educate future generations about Smalls’ remarkable journey from enslavement to a pioneering politician. The statue is designed to be a powerful symbol of equality and will be strategically placed for visibility.
Columbia, South Carolina – Statehouse to Honor African American Hero Robert Smalls with Statue
The South Carolina Statehouse is set to feature its first statue honoring African American Civil War hero Robert Smalls. This momentous decision comes amid a landscape where the grounds predominantly honor white figures linked to the Confederacy and Jim Crow era. State Representatives Brandon Cox and Jermaine Johnson are leading this bipartisan initiative, aiming to commemorate Smalls’ significant contributions to South Carolina’s history.
Cox, a white Republican, and Johnson, a Black Democrat, recently received the Biden School Civility in Public Service Award for their efforts in commissioning the statue. Their legislation has gained unanimous approval, and they remarked on the importance of honoring Smalls, who has been long overdue for recognition.
Background of Robert Smalls
Robert Smalls was born enslaved in Beaufort, South Carolina, and at the age of 12, was forced to work on the docks in Charleston. During the Civil War, he made headlines when he piloted the Planter, a transport ship for the Confederate army. Smalls made a daring escape, commandeering the vessel with his crew to freedom. Upon surrendering the ship to the U.S. Navy, he was promoted from pilot to captain.
After the Civil War, Smalls returned to his roots in Beaufort, bought the home where he was enslaved, and played a crucial role in establishing the South Carolina Republican Party. He served in the state legislature and became a five-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives. After the war, his legislative efforts included creating the first free and compulsory public school system in the United States.
Statue Design and Significance
The upcoming statue will depict Smalls as an equal to the other historical figures memorialized on the Statehouse grounds. It will be placed strategically where school buses drop off students, emphasizing its educational value. Cox articulated that having the statue in such a visible location will allow students to connect with complex parts of history.
As South Carolina currently enforces the Heritage Act, restrictions on new monuments make Smalls’ statue likely to be the last one permitted at the Statehouse. This bipartisan collaboration between Cox and Johnson showcases a commendable level of mutual respect and commitment across party lines.
Personal Journeys of the Legislators
Both Cox and Johnson shared their personal experiences of overcoming challenges to enter public service, with Cox having attended 14 different high schools before joining the military, and Johnson earning a basketball scholarship which eventually led to a professional career.
The statue, designed by Jamaican-born artist Basil Watson, is projected to be about 12 feet tall. It will tell the story of Smalls’ transformation from illiteracy to a pioneering politician, symbolized by a stack of books in its design. Significantly, the statue will face the statue of segregationist “Pitchfork” Ben Tillman, creating a poignant juxtaposition of historical narratives.
Accompanying the statue will be a base that includes key facts about Smalls’ life and a quote that affirms the equality of his race, providing context for future generations. The commission responsible for the statue is currently raising funds to ensure its completion.
Conclusion
Robert Smalls is remembered for his valor during his escape from slavery and for his dedication to civil rights and equality after the Civil War. The forthcoming statue serves not only to honor his legacy but also to quite literally reshape the narrative presented at South Carolina’s Statehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Robert Smalls statue?
The Robert Smalls statue is significant as it will honor an important African American hero whose contributions to South Carolina’s history have been long overdue for recognition.
Who are the leaders behind the bipartisan effort to commission the statue?
The bipartisan effort to commission the statue is led by State Representatives Brandon Cox, a white Republican, and Jermaine Johnson, a Black Democrat.
What is Robert Smalls known for?
Robert Smalls is known for his bravery as a Civil War hero who escaped from slavery by commandeering the Planter, and for his contributions to civil rights and establishing the first compulsory public school system in the U.S.
What will the statue represent?
The statue will represent Smalls’ journey from illiteracy to a pioneering statesman, highlighted by a stack of books in the design.
What obstacles do Cox and Johnson face in the monument’s commission?
They face challenges due to South Carolina’s current Heritage Act, which restricts new monuments at the Statehouse, making Smalls’ statue likely to be the last permitted on the grounds.
Key Features of the Robert Smalls Statue
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South Carolina Statehouse, facing Ben Tillman’s statue |
| Height | About 12 feet tall |
| Artist | Basil Watson |
| Historical Importance | First statue honoring an individual African American at the Statehouse |
| Symbolism | Journey from illiteracy to advocacy for education, featuring a stack of books |
| Legislative Backing | Unanimous approval by the Robert Smalls Monument Commission |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Residents Celebrate Nature and Community Life
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Robert Smalls
- CBS News
- Google Search: Robert Smalls
- BET
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Robert Smalls
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
