Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Columbia in the 1960's
The State House And Public Protest
| | Our Story Matters | |
Photographed by Craig Doda, November 13, 2022
1. Columbia In The 1960's Marker
South Carolinians found themselves at a major crossroads during the turbulent 1960s. In rural towns and cities across the state, African Americans and a growing number of white supporters waged public protests, filed lawsuits, and registered voters in pursuit of equal access and social justice. As the Civil Rights Movement unfolded, segregationists roundly attacked developments as threats to their "southern way of life." The South Carolina State House served as a backdrop for public debates as politicians, segregationists and civil rights champions converged on its grounds to sway public opinion and chart an agenda for the future.
On March 2, 1961, 187 protesters were arrested following a planned demonstration on the South Carolina State House grounds. A lawsuit filed on their behalf Edwards v. South Carolina reached the United States Supreme Court. On February 25, 1963, the court ruled that the 14th Amendment forbids a state "to make criminal the peaceful expression of unpopular views," and opened the door to continued demonstrations nationwide.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is February 25, 1963.
Location. 34° 0.098′ N, 81° 2.028′ W. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Columbia SC 63 (here, next to this marker); March 2, 1961 Peaceful State House Protest (a few steps from this marker); Burning Of Columbia (within shouting distance of this marker); Edwards v. S.C. (within shouting distance of this marker); The Architecture of Strength (within shouting distance of this marker); The East-West Streets In The City Of Columbia / Gervais Street (within shouting distance of this marker); The North-South Streets in The City Of Columbia / Richardson Street (within shouting distance of this marker); South Carolina Confederate Monument (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Photographed by Craig Doda, November 13, 2022
2. Columbia In The 1960's Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, November 13, 2022
3. Columbia In The 1960's Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, November 13, 2022
4. Columbia In The 1960's Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, November 13, 2022
5. Columbia In The 1960's Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, November 13, 2022
6. Columbia In The 1960's Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 832 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 16, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
