Orangeburg in Orangeburg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
South Carolina State University
S.C. State University was founded in 1896 as the Colored Normal, Industrial, Agricultural & Mechanical College of S.C. with its origins in the Morrill Land Grants Acts of 1862 and 1890 providing for land-grant colleges. Intended "for the best education of the hand, head, and heart of South Carolina's young manhood and womanhood of the Negro race," it became S.C. State College in 1954 and S.C. State University in 1992.
(Marker Reverse):
South Carolina State has been called "at least symbolically, the most important educational institution in black Carolina since its founding." Students were also active in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, taking part in sit-ins, the Orangeburg Movement of 1963-64 seeking desegregation of downtown businesses, and the Orangeburg Massacre in 1968.
Erected 1997 by South Carolina State University. (Marker Number 38-25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 33° 29.728′ N, 80° 51.318′ W. Marker is in Orangeburg, South Carolina, in Orangeburg County. Marker is at the intersection of Magnolia Street (U.S. 601) and Geathers Street, on the right when traveling north on Magnolia Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Orangeburg SC 29117, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Orangeburg Massacre (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity United Methodist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Claflin College (about 700 feet away); Civil Rights Meetings / Sit-in March (about 700 feet away); Episcopal Church of the Redeemer and Graveyard (approx. 0.2 miles away); Church of the Redeemer (approx. ¼ mile away); Felton Training School & Teacherage (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orangeburg.
Also see . . . Knowing who I am: a Black entrepreneur's struggle and success in the American South. By Earl M. Middleton, Joy W. Barnes, Pages 91-100 Orangeburg Movement- (Submitted on December 8, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,727 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 8, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.