Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

George Washington (Statue)

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 16, 2011

1. The State House George Washington Statue, north steps reads:

This is a replica of an original marble statue made by Houdon. In 1853 the Virginia legislature had W. J. Hubard Foundry cast six copies in bronze. South Carolina purchased this one in 1858 for $10,000. Originally installed inside the state house, the figure was moved in 1884 to a spot in the northeast corner of the state house grounds. In 1907 the figure was moved to its present location at base of steps on the north side of the state house. Smithsonian Institution Research Information System(SIRIS) Inventory of American Sculpture #76006401

Inscription. During the occupation of Columbia by Sherman's army February 17-19, 1865, soldiers brickbatted this statue and broke off the lower part of the walking cane.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1702.

Location. 34° 0.042′ N, 81° 1.997′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. Marker is on Gervais Street (U.S. 1 / 378) near Main Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia SC 29201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The State House of South Carolina (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanish-American War Veterans Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Benjamin Ryan Tillman (within shouting distance of this marker); The State House (within shouting distance of this marker); Palmetto Regiment (within shouting distance of this marker); Sherman’s Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); South Carolina Confederate Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); The North-South Streets in The City Of Columbia / Richardson Street

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(within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

George Washington (Statue) Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 16, 2011

2. George Washington (Statue) Marker

brickbatted: pieces of brick used as a weapon or missle

George Washington at SC State Capitol image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 9, 2013

3. George Washington at SC State Capitol

Closeup of George Washington image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 9, 2013

4. Closeup of George Washington

Inscription on base image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 31, 2023

5. Inscription on base

fait par houdon Citayen francais 1788
W. J. Hubard's Foundery, Richmond, Va. 1858.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,144 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 25, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on August 29, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3, 4. submitted on March 4, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on January 12, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.