South Carolina is preparing to honor Robert Smalls, a former slave who became a prominent political leader, by erecting the first statue of an individual African American on its Statehouse lawn.

Smalls, famous for his daring escape during the Civil War, will be recognized for his broader contributions to racial equality and education.

In 1862, still in his early twenties, Smalls commandeered a Confederate ship, the CSS Planter, and sailed it to Union lines, securing freedom for himself, his family, and a dozen others.

After the war, he served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and helped rewrite South Carolina’s Constitution to grant Black men equality.

“The man has done so many great things; it’s just a travesty he has not been honored until now. Heck, it’s also a travesty there isn’t some big Hollywood movie out there about his life,” said Democratic state Representative Jermaine Johnson.

Unanimous Approval

Despite years of resistance, the bill to build the statue passed the state House and Senate unanimously in 2024.

“South Carolina is a great state. We’ve got a lot of history, good and bad. This is our good history,” Republican state Representative Brandon Cox, who co-sponsored the bill, said.

A committee will finalize the design and location by January 15, 2025.

“The best way to sum up Robert Smalls’ life is it was a fight for freedom—as a slave, as a pilot, and as a statesman,” said Republican state Senator Chip Campsen.

Smalls’ Escape From Slavery

Smalls, born into slavery in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina, died in 1915 as a free man.

Rewriting South Carolina’s Constitution during the Reconstruction Era saw him help secure rights for African Americans, later reversed by white supremacists.

Supporters hope the statue will help reshape how South Carolina remembers its role in the Civil War and Reconstruction.

His life, from escaping slavery to fighting for equality, reflects the struggle for civil rights in the United States.

Ideas for what the statue could look like vary—is Smalls best recognized for his courageous act or his later years as a statesman?

Countering Confederate History

There is also debate over where the statue should stand.

The South Carolina Statehouse currently features monuments to Confederate figures like “Pitchfork” Ben Tillman, who helped dismantle Reconstruction Era gains. Some have suggested placing Smalls’ statue near these, creating a symbolic counterpoint.

“Robert Smalls writes a new future for this county that in the moment no one can see is happening,” said Chris Barr, the Chief of Interpretation for the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in Beaufort, while standing beside a bust of Smalls near his grave, the Associated Press reported.

Fundraising proceedings can begin to fulfill the vision once the statue’s design and location are determined.

“We have to get the narrative right,” said South Carolina Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey.

“This is going to tell a story, and I think it’s important that we honor him and South Carolina the right way.”

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.