Beaufort, S.C. Celebrates Robert Smalls with Historic Statue
In a significant step toward honoring African American history, the city of Beaufort, South Carolina, is preparing to unveil the first statue of an individual African American on the Statehouse lawn. The man at the heart of this momentous occasion is none other than Robert Smalls, a hero of the Civil War known for his daring escape from slavery and his later accomplishments as a political leader.
Robert Smalls, born in 1839 in Beaufort, famously commandeered a Confederate ship, the C.S.S. Planter, to steal his own freedom, along with the lives of his family and several others. His audacious escape in 1862 involved donning the uniform of a Confederate officer and skillfully navigating past enemy checkpoints, ultimately sailing to Union forces who welcomed him as a hero. But Smalls’ story doesn’t end there; he went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, championing equal rights and education for African Americans during the turbulent Reconstruction Era.
A Long-Awaited Tribute
The plans for the statue have been in the works for years, despite some initial opposition to the idea. However, in 2024, support surged as both Republican and Democratic lawmakers rallied behind the proposal, leading to overwhelming approval in the state House and Senate. Representative Jermaine Johnson expressed his excitement, declaring it a travesty that Smalls had not been honored sooner. He looked forward to bringing his children to see their history celebrated at the Statehouse.
This upcoming statue is much more than just a tribute to Smalls’ incredible escape. It symbolizes recognition of all he accomplished during a time when African Americans faced relentless challenges. Rep. Brandon Cox stated, “South Carolina is a great state. We’ve got a lot of history, good and bad. This is our good history.” The bill establishing the statue set up a special committee tasked with determining its design and location by January 15, 2024, a process that will involve careful contemplation about how best to honor Smalls’ multifaceted legacy.
Deciding on the Design
This is where things become intriguing. Should the statue focus solely on the daring escape of the 23-year-old Smalls, the later statesman who worked tirelessly for equality, or the elder Smalls who advocated for education and fought for African Americans’ rights? These questions are at the forefront of discussions among committee members. Some suggest a combination of elements, pointing to the importance of capturing all aspects of his remarkable life.
Among those advocating for Smalls’ recognition is Rep. Chip Campsen, who believes that the best way to sum up Smalls’ life is “a fight for freedom.” The statue could serve not only as a nod to historical bravery but also as a reflection of Smalls’ relentless pursuit of justice and equality in a society that repeatedly tried to silence him.
Finding the Right Place
Another essential aspect of this honor is determining where exactly on the Statehouse grounds the statue will be placed. Currently, there are monuments dedicated to several notable white politicians and figures from South Carolina’s past, yet none commemorate an individual Black man or woman. As discussions progress, some supporters propose positioning Smalls’ statue prominently to give him a rightful place among those who have shaped the state’s history—perhaps even overshadowing statues like that of “Pitchfork” Ben Tillman, a controversial figure known for his racially charged actions.
Creating a New Narrative
The unveiling of Robert Smalls’ statue is not merely about history; it is about shaping a narrative that celebrates the resilience and accomplishments of African Americans, especially in the context of Beaufort, which holds such a personal connection to Smalls’ life. With plans underway, organizers feel optimistic that raising funds for the statue will be more manageable once a clear vision is established.
As the South Carolina community prepares to honor a man whose life encapsulated the struggle for freedom, equality, and education, many hope this recognition will inspire future generations to learn about and reflect on the history that has shaped them. Chris Barr, Chief of Interpretation at the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park, aptly characterized Smalls as a figure who “writes a new future for this county.”
With the statue set to commemorate both Smalls’ incredible escape from slavery and his lifelong fight against racism and inequality, the people of South Carolina are on the cusp of a significant historical moment that could reshape the way their story is told.
