A Masterstroke to Honour A Civil War Hero, Robert Smalls: SC Steps onto the Monument’s Roadmap

A Memorial in the Making

The South Carolina Legislature has made its milestone move by initiating the monumental task of honouring Robert Smalls. Recognized as a Civil War hero who escaped the shackles of enslavement and later personalized a pivotal role as a U.S. Congress member, Smalls’ glorious legacy will be engraved in stone. The Legislative Commission convened for the first time this week, commencing their monumental assignment.

The dedication to the task ahead is equalized by the gargantuan work that lies before the commission. Crucial elements like the location, design, and the sculptor for the project have yet to be decided. However, the most looming challenge confronting the committee is that of funding, which will solely rely on private donations, simulating the formula followed earlier for the African American history monument.

The Challenge and The Chance

Newer challenges bring novel opportunities and this project’s no exception. The 10-member committee recognizes the significance trailing the task, which essentially is to construct the first monument dedicated to an individual African American figure covering a spread of 22 acres mostly dominated by memorials to the Confederacy.

The South Carolina Statehouse grounds host a soaring obelisk dedicated to veterans of the Confederate army. There’s a statue dedicated to J. Marion Sims, a pioneer of gynecology who performed experiments on enslaved women without any anesthesia. There sits a statue for Confederate Gen. Wade Hampton, an enslaver by choice. Additionally, there is a statue designated to ex-governor Benjamin Tillman, a white supremacist and brother to George who used intimidation and violence to snatch away Smalls’ position in Congress.

Voicing a New Narrative

In contrast, the monument to Smalls tends to voice a different narrative, that of Black resilience and achievement — a story that has been silenced for generations. Robert Smalls was not just a fearless war hero. He actively partook in creating South Carolina’s public school system and establishing the constitutional groundwork during the Reconstruction era.

His daring Civil War exploit of commandeering a Confederate transport ship, the Planter, and his pivotal role in convincing President Abraham Lincoln to enlist black men as soldiers are astounding tales of bravery. His public life reflected public service where he painted the politics of the state with his progressive insights.

The Road Ahead

The road leading to Smalls’ recognition is full of bureaucratic bumps and curves. The committee members are looking at a tight deadline of January 15 to submit an initial design. They need to brainstorm and identify sources for funding, including the setting up of a website and initiating contacts for making donations.

The tedious task of finalizing artists or firms to visualize the sculpture and accommodate it within a deserving budget also lies ahead. The monument’s placement to give it deserved justice and accommodate the proposed design within free areas on the grounds is also a challenge.

While difficult, the committee seems resolute in its vision for the monument: to portray a story of freedom, the law, and education – the three pillars that upheld Small’s life. Although difficult, this process is a necessary step in acknowledging Small’s enduring influence and the legacy he left.