South Carolina Governor Commemorates Civil War Hero Robert Smalls with Monument Bill Signing
Cheers of pride and acknowledgement filled the South Carolina State House on Thursday, as Governor Henry McMaster performed a ceremonial signing of the Robert Smalls Monument bill. This bill confirms the creation of a monument of Small, a heroic figure born enslaved and later celebrated as a war hero and legislator, right on the premises of the SC State House Grounds.
The Remarkable Tale of Robert Smalls
Life threw Robert Smalls a pretty tough hand – being born into slavery in Beaufort in 1839 wasn’t exactly a lucky break. However, it was during the Civil War, a tumultuous period in American history, that he depicted true courage and audacity.
Smalls was working on a Confederate ship called the Planter during the war. In a brave and calculated act, he commandeered the ship from its Confederate crew and sailed it towards the Union blockade. He finally surrendered it to the United States Navy, a daring feat that resulted in him earning his freedom.
But Robert Smalls didn’t stop there. He used his newly gained freedom to make a significant impact. In the years following his escape, he took to politics, serving as a state lawmaker and eventually being elected to the US Congress in Washington.
The Robert Smalls Monument Bill
The Robert Smalls Monument Bill is a testament to Smalls’ exceptional life journey and the indomitable spirit he demonstrated. This bill, now signed by McMaster, approves the establishment of a monument in his honor on the South Carolina State House Grounds. This landmark is expected to evoke a tangible connection to our past, honoring the legacy of this amazing man for future generations.
The ceremonial bill signing took place on Thursday afternoon, with government officials and members of the public gathering to acknowledge this significant event. The grandeur of the State House’s first floor provided a fitting setting for this momentous occasion.
Celebrating A Local Hero, Recognizing A National Legacy
The establishment of a monument celebrating Robert Smalls’ life and accomplishments reaffirms the importance of acknowledging our nation’s complex history. It serves as a reminder of the astonishing courage exhibited by Smalls as he navigated his way from slavery to heroism, and ultimately to a seat in congress.
As we look forward to the erection of this well-deserved monument, let’s take a moment to appreciate the narrative it symbolizes. It’s not just about a Civil War hero or a state lawmaker; it’s about an enslaved man who dared to seize his own freedom, then used that freedom to make a significant difference in his community and country.
