Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
USC Desegregation Commemorative Garden
1963
— University of South Carolina —
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 22, 2021
1. 1963 USC Desegregation Commemorative Garden Marker
On September 11, 1963, Robert Anderson, Henrie Monteith and James Solomon changed the course of history as they walked into the University of South Carolina’s Osborne Administration Building to become the first African-American students to register for classes since 1877. The courage of the three students reverberates today as the university embraces diversity and learns from the rich differences in the people, ideas and opinions.
The 1963 USC Desegregation Commemorative Garden marks the 50th anniversary of this historic day when the color barrier was broken at the state’s flagship university. Inspired by themes of diversity, equality and transformation, the garden offers symbolic focal points including brick pathways and three juniper topiaries. A granite monument features the poem “The Irresistible Ones.” It was written in tribute to the three students by 2011 National Book Award winner professor Nickky Finney. The topiaries are the creation of Pearl Fryer, a nationally renowned topiary artist of Bishopville, South Carolina . This garden offers a quiet place for reflection and meaningful conversation.
Funding for the 1963 USC Desegregation Commemorative Garden is provided by: USC Office of the President • USC Office of the Provost • USC College of Arts & Sciences • USC College of Facilities •
this page online
Erected 2014 by University of South Carolina and its corporate partners.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 1963.
Location. 33° 59.992′ N, 81° 1.659′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Pendleton Street and Bull Street, on the right when traveling east. Located near the Osborne Administration Building, within the University of South Carolina. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1501 Pendleton Street, Columbia SC 29208, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McCord House (a few steps from this marker); Slavery and the South Carolina College (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); DeSaussure College (about 500 feet away); Site of Original President's House 1807 (about 500 feet away); Minton Family Home / Dr. Henry McKee Minton (about 500 feet away); South Carolina State Library (about 500 feet away); Gibbes Green (about 600 feet away); McCutchen House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 22, 2021
2. 1963 USC Desegregation Commemorative Garden Marker
Also see . . . USC Desegregation Commemorative Garden. The Green Book of South Carolina (Submitted on March 14, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 22, 2021
3. “The Irresistible Ones”
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 14, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
