The entry gate was made by African American blacksmith Phillip Simmons from Charleston.  Simmons is known for elevating the practice of blacksmithing from utilitarian items such as nails, horseshoes and hinges to decorative pieces including gates and archways featuring native plants and animals. The gates were fabricated at the Simmons Blacksmith Shop by his apprentices Joseph Pringle (cousin) and Carlton Simmons (nephew). These men forged the gates into shape using hammers and an 18th century anvil. The design displays symbolic "scales of justice" and the state's palmetto tree. The Simmons signature folded ends and tight curves can be seen throughout the work. Philip Simmons was bork June 9, 1912 on Daniel Island. At the age of 13, he was hired as an apprentice to Peter Simmons (no relation). During his 77 years of active practice, he created over 1,000 pieces of iron and steel works. His works are displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, the Museum of International Folk Art, and the South Carolina State Museum. Mr. Simmons was inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1994. Commissioned by the General Services Administration's Art in Architecture Program and installed in 2004.