James C. Furman Science Building

Completed in 1912, the James C. Furman Hall of Science was located on the old campus in downtown Greenville, S.C., and was named for James Clement Furman, the university's first president.

As Professor of Sacred Rhetoric & Pastoral Duties and Ecclesiastical History, D.D., and first president from 1859-1879, James C. Furman certainly is a key figure in the university's history, but he came under increased scrutiny in recent years. Marian Baker’s article, "Slavery, Memory and Reconciliation: What is the Furman Legacy" unveils James C. Furman’s horrific involvement in the support of slavery. Baker discusses how Furman was a pro-secession slave-owner with as many as 55 slaves. He publicly advocated for the “southern civil right” to own slaves, even going so far as to worry that abolitionists would "marry off" southern women and children to black men. The Task Force has found that James C. would also cancel classes to promote students' attendance at lynchings of black men.

You get a better picture of James C. Furman at the Upcountry History Museum. On the first floor, you will find a bust of James C. Furman and a bit of history about him. Situated within the context of his times, museum visitors learn that James C Furman was a slaveholder, secessionist, and anti-abolitionist. In February 2012, Furman partnered with the Upcountry History Museum, with this messaging as part of the university's official history.

Suggested Visit:

The Upcountry History Museum at 540 Buncombe Street, Greenville.