Chris Calle: South Carolina Statehood

Artist: Chris Calle
1961 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1988
Image Size: 19.5 by 16.375 inches
Overall Size: 23 by 20 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Cold Press Illustration Board

When it came time for South Carolina to make a decision on the new United States Constitution, there was a conflict that had not so much concerned the northern states. South Carolina was a slave state, and its economy depended on the use of slaves. Whether to even hold a ratifying convention was debated there. An outspoken opponent during this debate was Rawlins Lowndes. He had faith in the Articles and expressed fear that the new Constitution would bring, "loss of political existence." He felt so strongly about the matter that he wanted his tombstone inscribed, "Here lies the man that opposed the constitution, because it was ruinous to the liberty of America." The vote to hold a convention was close, 76 to 75, but the date was set for May 12, and the place was the city of Charleston. Lowndes was not a delegate to the convention as his position was in contrast to that of most of his constituents. Some historians believe his absence was a great blow to the Anti-Federalist cause in South Carolina. In convention, Charles Pinckney spoke in support of the Constitution. When questioned about its lack of a bill of rights, he replied that such a document usually began with a declaration concerning the equality of all men. Pinckney pointed out that the South Carolina delegates would, "make that declaration with a very bad grace, when a large part of our property consists in men who are born slaves." Thus, Pinckney quieted much opposition. On May 23, 1788, South Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® Maximum Card for the U.S. 25¢ South Carolina Statehood stamp issued May 23, 1988.

Artwork Copyright © 1988 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

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