When Alligators Roamed the State House Grounds

An alligator climbing out of the butterfly shaped pond on the State House grounds. Art by Wendy Brinker.

Twenty-two years before the State House even had a dome, attention was turned to revamping the grounds of the state capital of South Carolina. In the Summer of 1878, a five foot deep pond in the shape of a butterfly was built in the northwest corner of the State House grounds through prison labor. It featured four fountains and a bridge in the middle that was so huge that locals jokingly referred to it as the "bridge of size".

Pond with bridge circled in red. From 1895 map.

The pond featured standard wildlife such as turtles, goldfish and carp but it was the addition of two alligators, one being a gift of Governor Wade Hampton, that added a whole new element. The pond quickly became a favorite late night hangout and police were reported to come across "lively bathers". Adding to the danger of having alligators in the pond was the addition of a small boat which on at least one occasion capsized.

We don't know how long the alligators lived on the State House grounds or how many in total there may have been but we do know one met an unfortunate fate:

"The alligator, which spent his time between the capitol, lake and neighboring yards, was shot and killed by Mr. B.F. Griffin, on his premises ... This was his second visit to Mr. Griffin's yard."

At some point the pond was filled in due to maintenance problems. That corner of the State House is even more terrifying today with the addition of the statues of J. Marion Sims and Ben Tillman.

Sources:

Brown, John M. Creating the South Carolina State House, Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 2001

Wilkinson, Jeff "Grounds Once Home to Gators, Gardens", The State 16 Aug, 1998