The Citadel
In 1822, the South Carolina Legislature passed an "An Act to Establish a Competent
Force to act as a Municipal Guard for the Protection of the City of Charleston and Vicinity."
Land on the North end of Marion Square was selected for an arsenal and guard house and in 1829,
the architect, Frederick Wesner, completed the building which was known as The Citadel. A similar
facility was constructed in Columbia, South Carolina which was known as The Arsenal. State troops
occupied both sites at a cost of $24,000 a year.
Governor John P. Richardson felt that guard duties should be combined with a system of education. On December 20, 1842, The South Carolina Legislature passed an act establishing the South Carolina Military Academy. The Citadel and The Arsenal were converted into educational institutions and students replaced the state troops. In 1845, the role of The Arsenal was changed to the instruction of freshmen. As a result, cadets spent their first year in Columbia and transferred to The Citadel for the remaining three years. The South Carolina Military Academy became known for its high academic standards and strict military discipline.
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