Arsenal Hill in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Philip Simmons
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
1. Philip Simmons Marker
blacksmith, designed these wrought iron
entrance gates and they were fabricated
at the Simmons Blacksmith Shop by his
apprentices Joseph Pringle (cousin) and
Carlton Simmons (nephew). The men
forged the gates into shape using
hammers and an 18th century anvil.
The design displays the symbolic
"scales of justice" and the state's
palmetto tree. The Simmon's signature
folded ends and tight curves
can be seen throughout the work.
Philip Simmons was born June 9, 1912
on Daniel Island. At the age of thirteen
he was hired as an apprentice to
Peter Simons (no relation). During
his 77 years of active practice, he created
over 1,000 pieces of iron and steel works.
His works are displayed at the
Smithsonian Institution's Natural
Museum of American History,
the Museum of International Folk Art,
and the South Carolina State Museum.
Mr. Simmons was inducted into
the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1994.
Erected 2004 by General Services Administration's Art in Architecture Program.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1848.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Palmetto Iron Works (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor's Mansion (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Boylston House & Boxwood Gardens (about 400 feet away); Palmetto Arsenal / Iron Works (about 400 feet away); St. Timothy's Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); The Gonzales Fountain (about 500 feet away); Lord John Berkeley (about 500 feet away); Lord Ashley (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Also see . . .
1. Philip Simmons. Wikipedia entry:
Philip Simmons (June 9, 1912 - June 22, 2009) was an American artisan and blacksmith specializing in the craft of ironwork. Simmons spent 77 years as a blacksmith, focusing on decorative iron work. (Submitted on December 26, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
2. Philip Simmons Foundation. Conde Nast Traveller website entry (Submitted on January 14, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
2. Philip Simmons Marker
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
3. Gates Designed by Simmons
Entrance to Matthew J. Perry Jr. United States Courthouse in Background
Entrance to Matthew J. Perry Jr. United States Courthouse in Background
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
4. Matthew J. Perry, Jr. United States Courthouse
Photographed By Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
5. Statue of Hon. Matthew J. Perry, Jr.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 675 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 26, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
