BEAUFORT, S.C. — South Carolina is set to erect its first statue dedicated to an individual African American on the Statehouse grounds, celebrating Robert Smalls. He is famed for dressing as a Confederate sailor to commandeer a slaveholder’s vessel and escape to freedom with his family and a dozen others during the Civil War.
However, Smalls’ legacy extends far beyond this remarkable act of bravery. He served in the U.S. House for ten years, played a crucial role in reforming South Carolina’s constitution post-Civil War to ensure equality for Black men, and valiantly opposed the resurgence of racist governance that sought to roll back the advancements he fought for.
Local Representative Jermaine Johnson expressed excitement about the upcoming statue, eager to share this moment with his children, stating it is high time that an individual who looks like them is honored in such a significant way. “The man has achieved so much, and it’s regrettable that he hasn’t been celebrated until now. It’s a shame there isn’t already a major film highlighting his life,” said Johnson, who represents a district close to the Statehouse.
The initiative to honor Smalls with a statue has gained momentum over the years, with previous proposals facing resistance that delayed hearings. However, progress was made in 2024, when the bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate, championed by Republican Rep. Brandon Cox from Goose Creek.
“South Carolina is rich in history, both positive and negative. This decision reflects our positive history,” Cox noted.
The legislative measure established a committee tasked with developing a design, determining the statue’s location on the Statehouse lawn, and securing funding for the memorial.
Supporters are now confronted with the complex question of how best to honor Smalls. Should the statue depict the daring ship pilot who, under the veil of disguise, evaded Confederate soldiers and navigated his way to freedom? Or might it be more appropriate to highlight his contributions as a statesman, given that he served in both the South Carolina House and Senate, as well as the U.S. House after the war? Smalls famously purchased his former master’s home in Beaufort and allowed his widow to reside there when she faced hard times.
Alternatively, should the focus be on his later efforts advocating for education and civil rights, which he fought to uphold against a backdrop of diminishing gains following the Civil War? The 1895 constitution he witnessed dismantled the voting rights of African Americans. He was later dismissed from his federal customs position in 1913 during a broader purge of Black government officials.
Some propose a merging of these aspects to encapsulate the different facets of Smalls’ life. “The essence of Robert Smalls’ existence was a relentless quest for freedom, whether as a slave, a pilot, or a legislator,” said Republican Rep. Chip Campsen, who identifies with Smalls’ story.
The committee also faces an important decision regarding the statue’s placement. Currently, the Statehouse features a monument with panels that honor the African American experience, from enslavement to contemporary struggles, yet lacks recognition for any singular Black figure. Numerous statues commemorate individuals like Dr. J. Marion Sims, who is sometimes credited as the founder of modern gynecology, despite his unethical experiments on enslaved women. Also present are numerous tributes to Confederates, including figures who fought to uphold slavery.
Some advocates propose placing Smalls’ statue nearby, perhaps even taller and more prominent, as a symbolic victory for a legacy long overlooked.
Once the design and location are selected, organizers are optimistic that fundraising efforts will become less of a challenge with a clear vision in place. “It’s pivotal we get the narrative right,” emphasized Republican Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey. “This memorial will tell an important story for South Carolina.”
Robert Smalls, born in 1839 in Beaufort and who passed away in 1915, led a life that remains inspiring yet relatively unsung, particularly for those remembering the struggles faced by enslaved ancestors. Community members now have an opportunity to ensure that his remarkable legacy is recognized and celebrated.
“Robert Smalls lays the groundwork for a new future, one that was not readily apparent in his time,” remarked Chris Barr, Chief of Interpretation for the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park, as he stood by Smalls’ bust near his grave. Smalls’ journey to freedom on a Confederate ship remains a central highlight of his extraordinary life.
“An enslaved worker like Robert Smalls, equipped with skills and knowledge of the waterway, could literally see freedom just beyond the horizon, realizing that all he needed was the chance to seize it,” Barr explained.