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William Church Whitner Statue

4.0 (1 review)

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1 year ago

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Peg Leg Bates Statue - Peg Leg Bates Statue, Greenville

Peg Leg Bates Statue

4.0(1 review)
27.9 mi

Walking around downtown Greenville, you might spot this abstract sculpture with a small caption…read morebelow. It is at the corner of Spring Street and East Washington Avenue. The caption reads, "On his journey from The Liberty Theater in Greenville to the stages of New York City, 'Peg Leg' Bates danced around anything that dared get in his way." And it notes the sculptor is Joseph R. Thompson. The modernistic memorial was unveiled in 2013 and is near the historic Liberty Theater, where Bates was first discovered in 1926. Born in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Bates lost his leg in a cotton mill accident at age 12 but refused to let his disability define him. His uncle crafted a wooden peg leg, allowing Bates to continue dancing and eventually rise to prominence in vaudeville, Broadway, and television, including multiple appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show. Bates not only broke racial barriers but also founded the Peg Leg Bates Country Club, a resort catering to African American clientele. This is a powerful reminder of Bates' legacy, inspiring future generations with his story of resilience and success. A must-see for those who appreciate history, dance, and the triumph of the human spirit. The statue was Greenville's 62nd piece of public art, further enriching the city's cultural landscape. [Review 251 of 2025 - 1271 in South Carolina - 23815 overall]

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Peg Leg Bates Statue - Peg Leg Bates Statue, Greenville

Peg Leg Bates Statue, Greenville

Peg Leg Bates Statue - Peg Leg Bates Statue, Greenville

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Peg Leg Bates Statue, Greenville

William Church Whitner Statue - publicart - Updated May 2026

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