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Florence, South Carolina is an ideal Southern retirement community.

Florence SC History

Florence began as a railroad depot and an inn with a land grant of 577 acres from the state. The location was where three railroads converged near the Pee Dee River. Florence was a planned community with seven streets and ninety-six lots. The city’s history spans both Revolutionary and Civil War times, which is reflected in an interesting selection of museums, antebellum mansions, gardens and historic districts. Jerome P. Chase, a telegraph operator, came to the area in 1859. He became a successful businessman, selling insurance and real estate. He was the "Father of Florence" since the town was named for his daughter, Florence. In 1860, the first map of Florence was created.

After the Civil War, the Northeastern Railroad was the primary employer. The town grew around the transport of agricultural products from the surrounding Pee Dee River Basin. In 1888, the South Carolina General Assembly created the County of Florence, encompassing the towns of Timmonsville, Coward, and Lake City with the town of Florence as its county seat. Two years later, the town of Florence incorporated.

Florence South Carolina – Great City for Senior Visitors

Today, Florence is a thriving city and a great attraction for senior visitors. Florence, South Carolina is the seventh largest city in the state and a center of commerce, medical, retail and professional services.