Today we arrived in Columbia, South Carolina and headed into the State House. It is really interesting to hear what has happened in different states and here was no different.
Our guide (Paul) did an excellent job, especially with a group of 1st to 3rd graders from a private school. It was also great to see the students so well prepared. They knew a lot of the answers to questions he posed.
Below, the Third State House building (the other 2 burned). What southern state wouldn't have a Confederate National flag flying. The Palmetto Tree (right) was selected as the State Tree because of its durability during an attack to Fort Moultrie. The soft palmetto logs at the fort did not crack under bombardment but rather absorbed the shot. It was said that cannonballs reportedly even bounced off the walls of the structure.
The house chambers were well lit and more colorful than others we have visited.
The Mace, the House authority, is also the oldest original one used
in the U.S.
When put in front of the desk means “the House is in session”. The mace was a
1756 gift from England.
During the Revolutionary War it disappeared, and was discovered 40 years later
in a Philadelphia bank vault!
When the doors of the house chambers were closed, up came Rep Walton McLeod who opened the doors for the students and was happy to take the time to talk to the kids about the House and the State. He could have been a great teacher. He had the knack for talking with the kids.
This ordinance is claimed to be the act that started the Civil War. Can anyone imagine repealing the Constitution?
Yes, blossoms on the tree, the sounds of "peepers", the sight of a Robin...and green grass...and sunshine too. Wish you could be here.
The State House was a busy day according to the guide. Apparently there were many lobbyists that were just outside chambers both for and against common issues. The link below came out on this afternoons news.
Outdated Law?
Oh, and one other thing, for Bob and Glen, the State Dance is the Shag.
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