Civitas © Audrey Flack
The Gateway is a unique tribute to the citizens of Rock Hill and is believed to be the only public monument dedicated to a citizen planning process. Beginning in 1988, the citizens of Rock Hill united in a civic plan, known as "Empowering the Vision," aimed at asserting the city's identity in the face of unprecedented growth from neighboring Charlotte, North Carolina. The Gateway is a symbol of this process and embodies Rock Hill's heritage and goals for future growth and development as a Business City, Cultural City, Education City, Functional City, Garden City and Historic City.

The Gateway is built on a circular landscaped plaza at the vehicular entrance to a new business district, part of a public investment intended to attract new business to the city. Its circular form conveys the unity of the many groups who were part of the planning process. Four 13-foot bronze statues of the female figure "Civitas" hold aloft symbols of the city's strengths: stars of inspiration (culture); the flame of knowledge (education); gears of industry (business); and lightning bolts (utilities, infrastructure and transportation). Reflecting Rock Hill's textile heritage, the wings and hair of Civitas are reminiscent of folds of fabric. The statue's wings and forward stance suggest the city's progression to a diversified economy. Part of the city's past is incorporated into the monument with two columns saved from a 1914 Masonic temple.

This civic monument successfully operates at symbolic, aesthetic and functional levels. The Gateway is a daily reminder to the citizens of Rock Hill of their collective achievements and aspirations for the future.
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