South Carolina Hall Of Fame: William Gilmore Simms

William Gilmore Simms, best known for his series of novels dealing with the Revolutionary War, was born and died in Charleston, South Carolina. He was one of the most influential men of letters in 19th century America. Simms wrote more than 80 books, including novels, essays, short stories, criticism, drama, historical and biographical works, poetry, and five volumes of collected letters. Much of his work focused on the history and traditions of his native state, and on the early settlement of the American frontier. His granddaughter, Mary C. Simms Oliphant, also an author, was inducted in the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1983.