Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
U.S.C. During Reconstruction
Photographed by Dave W, May 13, 2023
1. U.S.C. During Reconstruction Marker, Side One
People of African descent have been integral to the history of U.S.C. In the early days of the university enslaved people lived and worked on campus. After the Civil War a new state constitution required that public schools, colleges, and universities be free and open to all without regard to race." In 1869, the S.C. legislature appointed two African Americans, Benjamin Boseman and Francis Cardozo, to the board of trustees.
In 1873, Henry E. Hayne was the first African American student admitted to U.S.C. In the same year the school hired Richard T. Greener as its first African American faculty member. In the years 1873-77 U.S.C. was the only fully integrated public university in the South. After Reconstruction the state legislature closed U.S.C. 1877-80. It reopened as an all-white institution. Not until 1963 did U.S.C. again admit Black students.
Erected 2023 by Historic Columbia and USC OFfice of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. (Marker Number 40-222.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina Historical Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.
Location. 33° 59.848′
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: University of South Carolina (a few steps from this marker); Lieber College (within shouting distance of this marker); Pinckney College (within shouting distance of this marker); Legare College (within shouting distance of this marker); The South Caroliniana Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The South Caroliniana Library (about 300 feet away); University of South Carolina World War I Memorial (about 300 feet away); Clariosophic Literary Society (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Photographed by Dave W, May 13, 2023
2. U.S.C. During Reconstruction Marker, Side Two
Photographed by Dave W, May 13, 2023
3. U.S.C. During Reconstruction Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 402 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 14, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
