Florence Travel Information
Florence, South Carolina was named after the daughter of one of its first successful businessmen, Jerome P. Chase. A planned community, the city featured seven streets and ninety-six lots. During its early years, the city established itself as a leader in indigo exportation, and as a hub for rail transportation. Today, Florence is recognized as the core of a seven county region known as the "Pee Dee" (named after the Pee Dee River.) Many residents from neighboring towns come to Florence for cultural opportunities, recreational events, and to experience the social scene. The shag, the official state dance of South Carolina, is often performed here. Florence is the hometown of famous shag dancer, Billy Jeffers. The Pee Dee Farmers Market and The Florence Museum are two stops that can’t be overlooked. Children will enjoy the special interactive Children’s Gallery of the museum. If Civil War history appeals to you, then pay your respects at the Florence National Cemetery. Here, among the graves of over 2,000 soldiers, you’ll discover the grave of Florena Budwin. Florena disguised herself as a man so that she could accompany her husband into war. Eventually she was captured and sent to the stockade in Florence, where a prison doctor discovered her secret. Check out The War Between the States Museum for more details on the importance Florence played during this war.
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