Florence history

The Birth of the "Magic City"

The history of Florence is inextricably linked to the development of transport infrastructure in South Carolina. Unlike the older colonial settlements on the coast, this city emerged in the mid-19th century solely due to progress and industrialisation. Its history is generally considered to begin in 1853, when a railway depot was founded on this site.

The city received its name in honour of Florence Harllee — the daughter of the president of the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad, General W.W. Harllee. It was he who foresaw the potential of this location as a future transport hub.

Key Factors of Development

Its geographical position in the flat Pee Dee region made this territory ideal for laying tracks. The development of Florence was determined by the following factors:

• Railway Junction: The city grew at the intersection of three major lines: the Wilmington and Manchester, the North Eastern, and the Cheraw and Darlington. This secured its status as a "gateway" for goods and passengers.
• Logistics: Its convenient location allowed for the efficient distribution of cargo between the Atlantic coast and the interior regions of the country.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Due to the incredibly rapid pace of development, Florence soon earned the nickname "Magic City". The economy of the early period was based on two pillars:

• Agriculture and Trade: The city became a centre for the collection and dispatch of cotton, tobacco, and timber, which were grown and harvested in the surrounding areas.
• Service Sector: A constant stream of travellers and railway workers stimulated the opening of hotels, dining venues, and shops, forming a lively urban environment.

Major Historical Milestones

The city's history is a journey from a railway station to the modern cultural and economic centre of the Pee Dee region. Below are the key events that shaped the appearance of Florence.

• 1853 — Foundation of the railway depot at the intersection of three main lines, becoming the starting point for the development of the future settlement.
• 1871 — Florence officially received city status, which allowed for the creation of a local government and municipal services.
• 1888 — Formation of Florence County, resulting in the city being chosen as its administrative centre.
• 1890s — The beginning of the rapid development of the tobacco industry, turning the city into one of the key markets for tobacco sales in the state.
• 1906 — Dr. F.H. McLeod opened a small infirmary, which subsequently grew into the major medical system, McLeod Health.
• 1920s — A period of architectural flourishing, during which a significant part of the city's historic centre was built.
• 1960s — Construction of interstate highways I-95 and I-20 in the immediate vicinity of the city, strengthening its logistical potential.
• 1970 — Foundation of Francis Marion College (now University), which became an important educational and cultural institution in the region.
• 1993 — Opening of the multi-purpose complex Florence Center, designed for exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events.
• 2004 — Completion of the new County Library, which became an architectural landmark and educational hub.
• 2011 — Opening of the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center in the downtown area, marking the beginning of a large-scale revitalisation of the city centre.

Unique Events and Cultural Landmarks

Besides its transformation into a transport and medical hub, the history of Florence is filled with remarkable incidents and achievements that form its unique character. Here are several facts and events that distinguish the city on the map of South Carolina.

• Mars Bluff Incident (1958): One of the most incredible events in the region's history occurred on 11 March, when a US Air Force bomber accidentally dropped an atomic bomb (without the nuclear core) on the neighbouring community of Mars Bluff. The explosion of conventional explosives left a huge crater, which today serves as a kind of historical attraction, while fragments of the bomb are kept in the local museum.
• "All-America City" Title (1965): In the mid-20th century, Florence received the prestigious All-America City Award from the National Civic League. This recognition noted the outstanding efforts of residents and authorities in solving social problems and strengthening civil society.
• Birth of the "Pecan Capital" (2003): The launch of the annual SC Pecan Music and Food Festival became a turning point in event tourism. The festival, dedicated to the pecan nut, quickly grew from a local fair into a large-scale event attracting over 50,000 guests every autumn and securing the city's status as a gastronomic centre.
• Museum Breakthrough (2014): The opening of the new Florence County Museum building marked a new era in heritage preservation. The modern complex not only united art and history under one roof but also received awards for architectural design, becoming a cultural anchor of the downtown area.
• Memorial Heritage (2000s): The creation of the Florence Veterans Park gave the city one of the most impressive memorial complexes in the Southeast. It houses a unique monument dedicated to female service members and the only monument in the region to the US Merchant Marine.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

The architecture of Florence is a visual chronicle of the development of the American South after the Civil War. Unlike coastal cities with colonial heritage, Florence was formed as a pragmatic transport and trade hub. Its appearance is defined by red-brick commercial buildings from the turn of the century, cosy residential areas from the early 20th century, and bold modern projects of recent decades.

Historic Centre and Commercial Style

The heart of the city, Downtown Florence, represents a classic example of American commercial architecture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The economic boom caused by the railway and tobacco trade led to the replacement of wooden structures with substantial brick buildings.

• Victorian Commercial Architecture: Characterised by decorative brickwork, cast-iron facade elements, and richly decorated cornices. These buildings still form the street front of the main avenue.
• Neoclassicism and Art Deco: In the period between the World Wars, buildings for banks, theatres, and administrative offices appeared, demonstrating a striving for monumentality and a new aesthetic.

Residential Districts: From Bungalows to Estates

As the wealth of the urban elite and middle class grew, prestigious residential quarters began to form around the centre. The Timrod Park district is a striking example of urban planning from the 1920s–1940s.

The following styles predominate here:

• Colonial Revival: Symmetrical facades, columns, and classical proportions, emphasising the status of the owners.
• Craftsman/Bungalow: Cosy houses with low roofs and wide verandas, popular among the middle class of the first half of the 20th century.
• Tudor Revival: Houses with elements of English Gothic, steep roof slopes, and decorative half-timbering.

Modern Architecture and Revitalisation

In the 21st century, Florence is experiencing an architectural renaissance. A new wave of urban planning is aimed at enlivening the centre through the creation of cultural and educational facilities. Modern architects are relying on a combination of historical materials with modernism.

• FMU Performing Arts Center: An example of modern architecture where the use of glass and steel harmoniously coexists with traditional brick, symbolising the connection between the past and the future.
• Florence County Museum: A building in a minimalist style with clear geometric forms, open spaces, and light facades, which has become a new architectural landmark of the city.

Distinguished Figures of Florence

Florence and its surroundings have given the world talented people whose names are known far beyond South Carolina. From legendary athletes to world-renowned artists, these individuals have left a significant mark on history and culture.

• William Henry Johnson (William H. Johnson)
  Artist, master of expressionism (1901–1970)
  A native of Florence who became one of the most significant African American artists of the 20th century. His works, combining elements of folk art and modernism, are exhibited in major museums around the world, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum. In his hometown, his legacy is immortalised by a monument and street names.
• Melvin Purvis
  FBI Agent (1903–1960)
  A legendary lawman who gained national fame in the 1930s for leading operations to capture gangsters John Dillinger and "Pretty Boy" Floyd. Although Purvis was born in neighbouring Timmonsville, he spent a significant part of his life in Florence, where he is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery.
• Harry Carson
  Professional Athlete (born 1953)
  An outstanding American football player who spent his entire career with the New York Giants. Carson is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a Super Bowl champion. He was born in Florence and actively maintains ties with his native community.
• Reggie Sanders
  Baseball Player (born 1967)
  A famous Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder who became a World Series champion in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. A native of Florence, over his long career he played for several top clubs and joined the elite club of players with 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases.
• Josh Turner
  Country Artist and Actor (born 1977)
  Possessor of a deep baritone voice and a Grammy Award nominee. Turner was born in Florence County (Hannah) and studied at the local Francis Marion University. His musical career, which began in these parts, led him to the top of the US country charts.
• Lawrence Timmons
  American Football Player (born 1986)
  Another renowned native of the city who achieved success in the NFL. Timmons spent most of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with whom he won Super Bowl XLIII and was selected for the Pro Bowl (all-star game).