Midtown - Downtown in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Sumter Street
Photographed by Mike Stroud, April 2008
1. Sumter Street Marker
A Virginia native who came to South Carolina ca. 1765, General Thomas Sumter was a leader in civil as well as military affairs. He served in the First and Second Provincial Congresses, in the S.C. General Assembly, as U.S. Congressman and U.S. Senator. South Carolina's last Revolutionary War general, he died in 1832 at his Sumter District home in Stateburg, where he was a large landowner and planter. His tomb there notes him as a founder of the Republic.
This street is named for one of the great Partisan Generals of the American Revolution, Thomas Sumter, the fighting "Gamecock." After Charleston fell in May 1780, Sumter rallied the up country against the British with major victories at Hanging Rock, Fishdam Ford, and Blackstock's. In 1781, Congress cited Sumter for his gallant leadership and military conduct, and for the conspicuous courage, perseverance, and patriotism of his volunteer militia.
Erected 1978 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History, sponsored by Richland County Bicentennial Commission Sponsored By The Columbia Sertoma Club. (Marker Number 40-83.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Roads & Vehicles
this page online
Location. 34° 0.097′ N, 81° 1.933′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Midtown - Downtown. It is at the intersection of Gervais Street (U.S. 1/378) and Sumter Street, on the right when traveling east on Gervais Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia SC 29201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James F. Byrnes (a few steps from this marker); Jefferson Davis Highway (a few steps from this marker); Battleship Maine Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Wade Hampton (within shouting distance of this marker); Memory of South Carolina Generals (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity Episcopal Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trinity Church (about 300 feet away); Spanish-American War Veterans Monument (about 300 feet away); The North-South Streets in The City Of Columbia / Richardson Street (about 400 feet away); The State House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Also see . . . Thomas Sumter
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008
2. Sumter Street Marker
Photographed by Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
3. Sumter Street Marker
Front
Front
Photographed by Brian Scott, July 25, 2011
4. Sumter Street Marker
Reverse
Reverse
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008
5. Sumter Street Marker
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008
6. Sumter Street Marker
7. General Thomas Sumter
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,457 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 7, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3, 4. submitted on September 13, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 7, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
