BRIEF HISTORY OF FLORENCE COUNTY:
Florence County took its name from its county seat,
the city of Florence. The county was formed in 1888
from parts of Marion, Darlington, Williamsburg, and Clarendon counties. The city of
Florence was founded in the 1850s as a stop on the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad;
it was named for Florence Harllee, daughter of William Wallace Harllee (1812-1897),
the president of the railroad. Florence soon became an important transportation center
for the Pee Dee region.
During the Civil War Florence was the site of a Confederate prison camp.
In later years tobacco growing became a major activity in the county. Some famous
Florence County natives are artist William H. Johnson (1901-1970), astronaut Ronald E.
McNair (1950-1986), and stock car racer Cale Yarborough.
History courtesy of South Carolina State Library
.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER!
Your help is needed to make this a better resource for Florence County researchers.
Please contact me if you have data you would be willing to share.
Thank you!
Copyright © 2004-2014 Victoria Proctor. All rights reserved.
Past Florence County Coordinators:
Val McGinness ( - June 2002)
1st County Coordinator: Larry Noah
