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All the United States South Carolina Columbia Busted Plug Plaza
Busted Plug Plaza is permanently closed.

This entry remains in the Atlas as a record of its history, but it is no longer accessible to visitors.

Busted Plug Plaza

The world's largest fire hydrant is supposedly tornado-proof.

Columbia, South Carolina

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whitney8251
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Busted Plug Plaza   Jason Eppink on Flickr
Busted Plug PLaza   The Artist Formerly Known As Mr. Guybrarian on Flickr
Busted Plug Plaza   Jason Eppink on Flickr
Busted Plug Plaza taken on January 27, 2018   casemorton / Atlas Obscura User
Busted Plug Plaza   Bitesnbuzz / Atlas Obscura User
  breaingram / Atlas Obscura User
  aseibert / Atlas Obscura User
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Made to look colossal and broken at the same time, the massive hydrant known as Busted Plug Plaza is towering steel monster that was made to last through natural disasters. 

The world's largest fire hydrant is possibly the best known work by South Carolina artist Blue Sky, who is also responsible for other public works of art in the area such as Tunnelvision and the Neverbust Chain. The oversize hydrant weighs in at around 675,000 pounds and is made to look as though it has been knocked askew by some equally giant automobile. Water sprays from the broken base of the monument at all hours like some irreparable public work. The hydrant stands over 40 feet tall and is constructed of concrete and steel, making it as immovable as it is imposing.

According to Blue Sky's website, the Busted Plug was specifically built so strong as a public safety measure to prevent the piece from being toppled or shredded during hurricanes. Whether the hydrant can withstand the fury of nature it has certainly managed to garner the adoration of the local community who intend to move the massive piece now that new owners have the land, as opposed to just tearing it down.

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Added By

whitney8251

Edited By

joanbernal05, EricGrundhauser, Bitesnbuzz, aseibert...

  • joanbernal05
  • EricGrundhauser
  • Bitesnbuzz
  • aseibert
  • casemorton
  • breaingram
  • istewa

Published

March 12, 2014

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Sources
  • https://www.wistv.com/2025/03/31/my-feelings-are-hurt-artist-behind-columbias-busted-plug-voices-concern-its-future-remains-unclear/
  • https://columbiabusinessreport.com/news/hospitality-and-tourism/83205/
  • http://www.columbiacvb.com/listings/Busted-Plug-Plaza-by-Blue-Sky/15343/?startrow=1
  • http://www.thestate.com/2012/12/12/2553055/as-busted-plug-sculpture-is-donated.html
Busted Plug Plaza
1400 Taylor Street
Columbia, South Carolina
United States
34.007534, -81.032675
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