Robert Smalls: A Tribute in Construction

Born a slave in Beaufort, Robert Smalls rose his way through the ranks, leaving his mark on the pages of American history. Now, this native son of South Carolina will be getting a deserving tribute in the heart of the state.

The Appointment of State Rep. Wendell Gilliard

South Carolina House Speaker Murrell Smith recently announced that Charleston’s representative, Wendell Gilliard, will serve on the Robert Smalls Monument Commission. The commission’s main task is to oversee the creation of a statue honoring Robert Smalls. That’s a big deal because Gilliard and his team have their work cut out for them in not just designing the statue, but also deciding on its perfect location and arranging the necessary funds for the project. But in a statement, Gilliard excitedly mentioned, “we look forward to the challenge of designing and raising funds for the statue and choosing the best spot for it“.

Robert Small’s Journey

Robert Smalls was not just any ordinary man. He was a man of courage and wit who had a noteworthy impact on the American Civil War. Smalls was initially enlisted to work on a steamboat, the CSS Planter, which was chartered by the Confederate Army. In a daring stroke of genius, he stole this ship on a fateful day back on May 13, 1862, and turned it over to Union soldiers, providing them with a significant advantage.

Following the war, Smalls returned to his home town in Beaufort. From there, he made his way to the state legislature and with further persistence, he went on to serve five terms in the grand United States House of Representatives. His life exemplifies a journey of perseverance from enslavement to serving as a political representative, a journey that the commission wishes to fittingly honor with this proposed statue.

The Significance of the Statue

Something that makes this tribute even more special is the fact that Smalls will be the first individual Black South Carolinian to be commemorated on the State House grounds. Gilliard mentioned how much this means to him; it’s about recognition, respect, and remembrance of the significant contributions by African Americans in the history of South Carolina and the United States as a whole.

What’s Next?

By law the commission consisting of eleven members will need to submit the design and location proposal of the statue to the Joint State House Committee by January 15, 2025. It’s a countdown of hard work, creativity and precision to get the tribute just right for this well-deserved South Carolinian.

This statue of Robert Smalls holds great importance to the state and to the people. It serves as a tribute to not just Robert Smalls the man, but also to the countless lives he influenced and the deep mark he left on the state’s history. It’s an eagerly awaited monument to beacon hope, courage, perseverance and exceptional resilience.