Robert Smalls to Be Immortalized with Statue at SC Statehouse

More than a century after his death, Robert Smalls, a towering figure in American history who rose from slavery to become a Civil War hero and influential politician, will be honored with a statue on the South Carolina State House grounds. This landmark decision marks the first time an individual African American will be immortalized with a monument on the Capitol complex.

The initiative to erect the statue gained final approval from a Statehouse committee in May 2025, culminating years of advocacy. The effort was championed by a bipartisan duo, State Rep. Brandon Cox (R-Berkeley County) and State Rep. Jermaine Johnson (D-Richland County), overcoming previous stalled attempts. Michael B. Moore, Smalls’ great-great-grandson, also played a significant role in lobbying for the recognition.

Renowned sculptor Basil Watson has been selected to create the monument. The proposed design depicts Smalls in a tuxedo, reflecting his stature as a U.S. Congressman at the height of his power during Reconstruction. The statue is slated for a prominent location near the Capitol’s visitors’ entrance, a strategic placement intended to inspire schoolchildren and visitors alike with Smalls’ extraordinary story.

The estimated cost of the statue, which will be entirely funded by private donations, is in the millions of dollars. While a definitive timeline for its unveiling hinges on fundraising efforts, some lawmakers have expressed hope for its completion around the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026. State law mandates the statue be built by 2028.

Born into slavery in Beaufort, South Carolina, in 1839, Smalls’ life began with a daring act of defiance. In 1862, he commandeered the Confederate warship, the Planter, sailing himself, his family, and other enslaved individuals to freedom by delivering the ship to the Union Navy. His heroism made him a national figure.

After the Civil War, Smalls continued his fight for justice. He purchased the very home where he was enslaved, served in both the South Carolina House and Senate, and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for five non-consecutive terms. He played a pivotal role in drafting South Carolina’s Reconstruction-era constitution, advocating for African American rights and public education.

The upcoming monument is seen as a celebration of a true South Carolina hero whose legacy embodies resilience, freedom, and the pursuit of equality for all.