“B” is for Board of Public Works. In 1819, the national trend toward improving waterways and other public facilities, led South Carolina to create the Board of Public Works. The five-member board included two paid commissioners. One was responsible for Roads, Rivers and Canals and the other for Public Buildings. Robert Mills chastised the General Assembly for selecting low bids for projects without regard to the “permanency” of the project. In addition, he advocated a new system of awarding contracts. In 1822, the legislature abolished the board. Abram Blanding became superintendent of public works and Robert Mills superintendent of public buildings. During its short lifespan the Board of Public Works effected an enviable record for construction, with at least eleven courthouse projects begun or completed and several more completed after it went out of existence.
“B” is for Board of Public Works
