Ansonborough in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Philip Simmons

1912-2009 • Master Blacksmith

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 2, 2019

1. Philip Simmons Marker

Inscription. Philip Simmons is the most distinguished of Charleston ironworkers. Born on Daniel Island, Simmons began his eighty year career as a blacksmith at the age of thirteen under the apprenticeship of formerly enslaved Peter Simmons (no relation). Over 600 pieces of his ornamental ironwork can still be seen throughout the city in private residences and public places such as the Charleston Airport, Waterfront Park and the Charleston Visitor Center.

A beloved legend in his own time, Mr. Simmons is a member of the South Carolina Hall of Fame and was awarded the National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor that the United States can bestow on a traditional artist. The Smithsonian Museum acquired his work in 1982. The gate at Liberty Square was designed by Mr. Simmons at his East Side workshop. The Philip Simmons Foundation preserves his inspiring legacy and craft.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features.

Location. 32° 47.405′ N, 79° 55.597′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County

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. It is in Ansonborough. Marker can be reached from Calhoun Street east of Concord Street when traveling east. Marker is located within Liberty Square, just inside the gate, near Fort Sumter National Monument, along "Freedom Lane" (an extension of Calhoun Street to the east of Concord Street). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 340 Concord Street, Charleston SC 29401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gadsden's Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); Septima Poinsette Clark (within shouting distance of this marker); Septima Poinsette Clark 1898-1987 (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Sumter Bricks (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Sumter Today (about 500 feet away); Port of Charleston (about 500 feet away); The Borough Houses (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The Borough Houses (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Philip Simmons

Marker detail: Philip Simmons image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Philip Simmons

Marker detail: Philip Simmons at work<br>(Photograph by John Michael Vlach) image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Philip Simmons Foundation

3. Marker detail: Philip Simmons at work
(Photograph by John Michael Vlach)

Philip Simmons Marker (<i>wide view • looking northwest from Freedom Lane</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 2, 2019

4. Philip Simmons Marker (wide view • looking northwest from Freedom Lane)

Liberty Square Gate • designed by Philip Simmons<br>(<i>located near marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 2, 2019

5. Liberty Square Gate • designed by Philip Simmons
(located near marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 429 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 24, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.