What Is the Robert Smalls House?
This was the home of Black war hero, entrepreneur, and Congressman, Robert Smalls!
What Makes It Historical?
Long before he commandeered the Planter in 1862, Robert Smalls was born into slavery here in Beaufort. Because of those exploits, though, he gained his freedom and became an Army captain for the North, which gave him the $150/month salary he needed to buy his former owner’s home at a tax sale!
From here, Mr. Smalls launched several big business endeavors, from a store for freedmen, to the 18-mile Enterprise Railroad, which had an almost entirely Black board of directors, to publishing the Beaufort Southern Standard newspaper starting in 1872!
But Mr. Smalls’ wartime fame and familiarity with Gullah culture in the Beaufort area made him a prime candidate for public office! He won terms in the South Carolina state assembly and senate, plus five terms in the US Congress! His focus was on education, integration, and land ownership during Reconstruction. He attended both of South Carolina’s constitutional conventions, in 1868 and 1896, the latter of which disenfranchised him and all Black folks within the Palmetto State. He would remain, for the rest of his days, the customs collector for Beaufort, a position appointed to him by President Benjamin Harrison in 1890.
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at the Beaufort County Historical Society!
- Become a member of the Beaufort County Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
511 Prince St
Beaufort, SC 29902
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The house isn’t open to the public, but you can enjoy the outside any time you like!