It comes as no surprise that South Carolina is a very pro-military state. In fact, according to WalletHub’s website, the Palmetto State ranks number one as a military-friendly state for several key reasons. With no taxes on military pensions, property tax exemptions, and employment practices, it is a clear choice when it comes to our men and women in uniform.
According to Colonel Saddler Taylor, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Military Museum, our connection to the military goes a lot deeper than great veterans’ programs. “South Carolina has a long history of service that was rooted in protecting the borders of the State, and of course, beyond,” said Colonel Taylor, who has also served in the South Carolina National Guard for twenty-eight years. “It is a legacy that carries forward when it comes to the sense of pride and service to the Community.”
“South Carolina was key in the success of the U.S. Revolution, and the State is credited with turning the tide of the war,” he said. Although many people think more of the northeast when it comes to the Revolution, it turns out that, according to the Museum’s website, there were more battles and skirmishes fought in South Carolina than in any other start, with 30% of the war’s casualties happening here.
Colonel Taylor said that after getting smoked in New York State, the British looked to the Carolina Colonies, and places like Charleston, to make inroads. “It started out very positive for them, after taking Charleston, and of course, the Battle of Camden,” he said, continuing to say that it was men like Francis Marion, Thomas Sumter, and Andrew Pickens who turned the tide for our victory.
An interesting point he makes is that although the Civil War started at Fort Sumter, most of the war was not fought in South Carolina.
The State has also played important roles in the Spanish War, and of course, both World Wars. Colonel Taylor points out that it was “Camp Jackson” that turned out thousands of troops during World War I, and of course, Lake Greenwood, Lake Murray, and several other places were training grounds for young flight crews learning how to fly the B-25 “Flying Fortresses” in World War II. Even the famed Tuskegee Airmen trained in Walterboro, he added.
It was for many historically significant reasons, from a military standpoint, and a passion for history, that in 1981, South Carolina National Guardsman ColonelHugh McLaurin III secured a 900 square foot building and founded the South Carolina National Guard Museum and State Weapons Collection in Sumter.
McLaurin operated the museum on a volunteer basis, in addition to his full-time duties with the Guard, and did so in Sumter until 1998. That was when the then Adjutant General, Stanhope Spears, wanted to give it more visibility and centrally locate it to the Guard Headquarters (The TAG), in Columbia. Over the next several years, the footprint of the renamed “South Carolina Military Museum” grew to a much larger facility, having taken over a maintenance shop designed to work on large wheeled military vehicles.
Fast forward another few years, and the museum had added another building, which brought it to about 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, collections, and even a classroom.
Colonel Taylor said that just about all of the artifacts come through private donations. This means that most of the things you will see at the museum aren’t just things from the past, but come with a specific story, something personal that belonged and was used by a parent, grandparent, or even son or daughter and all with a memory and meaning. “These are things that people are really connected to, so it is a very personal thing.”
The Colonel explained that because these aren’t just garage sale items, it allows the collection to not only represent a tool but also tell a specific story about a specific military member.
Colonel Taylor shared that the drive of his five-member paid staff also plays an important role. “They each bring their own professional expertise and perspective, and have a passion for ways to engage and tell the stories of the Community members who have served both State and Nation.”
The Colonel is proud of the ways they can connect with the community, especially in the area of historical education programs aimed at schools. He said their programs are all tied to curriculum standards, to ensure that education time is not only enlightening, but also going to play a role in education. With the focus on the future by teaching the past, the museum does not charge K-12 schools to visit the facility, and will also go to a school if it is difficult for a school to come there, also free of charge. “Sometimes schools can’t come to us, whether it’s a money issue or scheduling issue, we make it not an issue.” He said they want to be a dynamic part of the Community, not just a place for people to go.
Although there is 20,000 square feet of footprint, the Museum is also always looking for ways to expand and provide more services, and something Colonel Taylor is looking forward to is a large exterior space, where kids can run around, families can enjoy, and programs can be facilitated.
The Museum is funded through various sources, including being a line-item on the operating budget of the Guard, but also a recipient of County funds, educational grants, and of course, private donations, which are accepted through a 501(c)3 Foundation, to ensure that monies that are donated go specifically to one of the missions of the Museum.
All-in-all, the South Carolina Military Museum is an amazing way to learn about history, but not only on the surface level. It is a place where you can gain an understanding and an appreciation for the many men and women who have contributed to Community and Country over 250 years. “It will take the rest of my life to scratch the surface of the number of South Carolinians who have served over the years, but that is what drives us,” Colonel Taylor said.