I would like to see South Carolina replace one of its honorees with the freedom loving Civil War era hero, Congressman Robert Smalls. Smalls was born into slavery in 1839. At age 14, his master hired him out to the owner of the steamship Planter. In the early morning hours of March 13, 1862, Smalls, using the skills he learned working on the Planter, took the ship, his family, some co-workers, and four Confederate harbor defense cannons past Fort Sumter to freedom. (Tip: don’t leave the keys in the fastest vehicle around). The 1940 SC public school state history textbook does not mention his heroism and post war leadership.
I have a hard time with Calhoun. I view him as the primary instigator of South Carolina’s views and the start of the Civli War. His threatening “divorce” with the nullification crisis was a no no. He started it and Jackson should have hung him from the nearest tree as he threatened him. Calhoun’s position in the Senate was particularly strong and influential and his ego and pride were the primary driver in forcing a civil war. Not a hero.
I would like to see South Carolina replace one of its honorees with the freedom loving Civil War era hero, Congressman Robert Smalls. Smalls was born into slavery in 1839. At age 14, his master hired him out to the owner of the steamship Planter. In the early morning hours of March 13, 1862, Smalls, using the skills he learned working on the Planter, took the ship, his family, some co-workers, and four Confederate harbor defense cannons past Fort Sumter to freedom. (Tip: don’t leave the keys in the fastest vehicle around). The 1940 SC public school state history textbook does not mention his heroism and post war leadership.
I have a hard time with Calhoun. I view him as the primary instigator of South Carolina’s views and the start of the Civli War. His threatening “divorce” with the nullification crisis was a no no. He started it and Jackson should have hung him from the nearest tree as he threatened him. Calhoun’s position in the Senate was particularly strong and influential and his ego and pride were the primary driver in forcing a civil war. Not a hero.