Lafayette at CSU celebration, April 4

Charleston Southern University will host a series of lectures beginning at 1 p.m. on April 4 in the Whitfield Christian Leadership Center to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to The Elms Plantation, the land that CSU now stands on.

Dr. Brian Miller, professor of history with a specialization in the American South, explained the significance of Lafayette, his visit, as well as the history around The Elms.

“Lafayette was, at the time of the Revolution, a relatively young man. He received a commission as a major general in the Continental Army. From there, he became an influential member of George Washington’s staff,” Miller said.

Many may recognize the name Lafayette from Daveed Diggs’ portrayal in the 2015 Broadway sensation, Hamilton.

Miller highlighted how Lafayette “survived the brutal winter at Valley Forge and became friends with fellow Washington aide, Alexander Hamilton. He encouraged French King Louis XVI to send critical military support in the latter years of the war and led a division at the 1781 Battle of Yorktown, where the British surrendered.”

Lafayette’s eventual visit to Charleston in 1825 was part of his tour of the United States, celebrating America’s 50th year since its founding.

“He arrived in the Charleston area on March 13, 1825, where he spent the night at The Elms (the room he stayed in was, in the future, called “the Lafayette Lodge”). The next day Lafayette went to Charleston, where he was met with great celebrations, including parades, banquets, and public addresses,” Miller said. 

The Elms is not a historical landmark simply due to Lafayette’s visit. Its origins date back decades before the Revolutionary War. 

“In 1704, Ralph Izard purchased 250 acres from John Francis Gignilliat, which marked the beginning of the Elms Plantation. By 1718, Ralph Izard II built the original plantation house,” Miller said. 

Miller explained that the Izard family maintained prominence in the Charleston area through the Revolutionary War, even with the plantation being sequestered by the British.

“Ralph Izard III was very influential. The Continental Congress appointed him commissioner to the Court of Tuscany in 1776. From 1782 to 1783, he served as a member of the Continental Congress. He later served in the U.S. Senate and was one of the founders of the College of Charleston,” he said. 

The series of lectures begins at 1 p.m. on April 4 in WCCL 102/103 with Dr. Michael Heitzler, a local author, presenting “The Elms Plantation: A Brief History.” Dr. Miller will present “Lafayette: You were here!” at 2 p.m., and the lead excavator of The Elms archaeological dig, CSU Alumnus Ethan Shuler, will present “The Elms Plantation: An Archaeological Perspective” at 3 p.m.

Anyone able should attend these lectures to learn more about American history, The Elms, Lafayette, and the grounds where the school now resides.

“It’s important for students to learn about the history of the area they live in because they are, by living there, a part of that history. History helps define who and why they are,” Miller said.

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