Corner
of Sumter and Gervais streets, Columbia
(Front)
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.
(Reverse)
This street is named for one
of the the great Partisan Generals of the American Revolution, Thomas
Sumter, the fighting "Gamecock." After Charleston fell in May
1780, Sumter rallied the upcountry against the British with najor
victories at Hanging Rock, Fishdam Ford, and Blackstock's. In
1781, Congress cited Sumter for his gallant leadership and military
conduct and for the conspicous courage, perserverance, and patriotism
of his volunteer militia.
Erected by Richland County
Bicentennial Commission, Sponsored by
Columbia Sertoma Club --1978
