Calhoun Monument, (sculpture).

Calhoun Monument, (sculpture).

Rhind, John Massey, 1860-1936, sculptor.

Renwick, Aspinwall & Renwick, architectural firm.

Calhoun Monument, (sculpture).

John C. Calhoun, (sculpture).

Shaft to John C. Calhoun, (sculpture).

Installed June 27, 1896.

Figure: bronze; Base: granite, with metal ornamentation.

Figure: approx. H. 15 ft.; Base: approx. 65 x 36 x 36 ft.

(Each of the four sides of the base has an inscribed tablet or applied metal letters)

Standing figure of John C. Calhoun. From bottom to top, base consists of two layers of granite, then a pedestal with a tablet or inscription on each side, supporting a fluted granite column. On top of the column is a platform which supports the figure.

Portrait male -- Calhoun, John C. -- Full length

Occupation -- Political -- Vice President

Occupation -- Political -- Senator

Occupation -- Law -- Lawyer

Outdoor Sculpture -- South Carolina -- Charleston

Administered by City of Charleston, Department of Parks, 30 Mary Murray Drive, Charleston, South Carolina 29403

Located Marion Square, Corner of Meeting & Calhoun Streets, at southern edge of park facing Calhoun Street, Charleston, South Carolina

Monument to South Carolina's "Great Nullifier," John C. Calhoun (1782-1850). After earning a law degree, Calhoun began his political career in the South Carolina Legislature. A renowned orator, he served his country as a secretary of war, United States senator, and vice president. Calhoun became known as "The Great Nullifier" because he strongly advocated the right of individual states to nullify federal laws that were not to their benefit. This figure of Calhoun is not the original one on this site; it replaces an earlier one created by Albert E. Harnisch and dedicated on April 26, 1887. As far back as 1850, immediately after Calhoun's death, the idea of a monument to him became popular. Various volunteer fire companies and military associations had raised money for a monument before the Ladies Calhoun Monument Association was organized in 1854. Money continued to be raised under the leadership of the Ladies Calhoun Monument Association, including many donations from school children who sent their pennies. On June 28, 1858, a cornerstone was laid, even though there were not yet even prelimary plans for the monument. Various articles were placed in the cornerstone, including a lock of Calhoun's hair and the last speech delivered by Calhoun in the United States Senate on March 4, 1850. Fundraising and planning ceased during the Civil War.

In March 1879, a men's committee advertised in art journals around Europe for artists to design the monument. The Ladies Calhoun Monument Association made the final choice, commissioning Albert E. Harnisch. Calhoun was to be depicted in bronze, seated in a chair, with four allegorical figures sitting at his feet: Truth, Justice, Constitution, and History. After it was dedicated April 26, 1887, the monument was criticized for poor casting; also, only one of the four allegorical figures was completed, and Calhoun was dressed in a Prince Albert coat which was not in fashion until long after his death. The Ladies Calhoun Monument Association had paid $44,000 for the first monument, but decided to replace the work with the $20,000 they had left over. The architectural firm of Renwick, Aspinwall & Renwick was requested to prepare a plan for remodeling the monument, and John Massey Rhind was commissioned as sculptor of the new figure. The 36 foot square granite base that was under the first monument was retained for Rhind's figure. Rhind added the granite column.

IAS files contain copies of newspaper articles from the News & Courier (Charleston, SC), Oct. 23, 1972, and June 13, 1983. Both articles discuss the long history of the creation of the monument.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, South Carolina survey, 1993.

Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985.

National Park Service, American Monuments and Outdoor Sculpture Database, SC0008, 1989.

Monumental News, Jan. 1895, pg. 25 & 42.

News and Courier (Charleston, SC), June 13, 1983.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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