Page 69 - Florence County, SC Florence County 2032: Connecting Our Past, Defining Our Future

Existing County | Transportation

The Great American Stations: Florence County Rail

The Amtrak station in Florence was constructed in 1996 by CSX as a replacement for the historic depot
that sits right beside it. The old building, constructed in 1910 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, was once
served by six tracks with eight raised concrete platforms. Today, only one passenger track remains in
place. Both depots, old and new, are owned by the McLeod Regional Medical Center, though the former is
used as office space by the hospital. The current buff brick station is smaller and less grandiose than its
historic counterpart, but it has delicate white brackets and well-kept landscaping.
Florence was part of the original townships laid out by the Lords Proprietors of Carolina in 1719, but the
town remained thinly populated until Florence became a railroad terminal at the juncture of three lines.
Florence’s railroads were busy during the Civil War, transporting troops, artillery and supplies as they
made their way through Florence and onto Richmond, Charleston and Savannah. The railroad carried
wounded Confederate soldiers to Florence’s Wayside Hospital, and brought captured Union soldiers to the
Florence Stockade.
After the war, Florence prospered through its railroad, importing cotton, timber and tobacco toward the
turn of the century. During the 1940s, Florence was the largest rail station in South Carolina, with 14
passenger trains serving the station every day. Florence became a major medical center during the 20th
century, which helps explain the train station’s ownership.
Other than its medical importance, Florence is famous for its trail system, the War Between the States
Museum, Timrod Park, and the Florence Little Theater. The Florence County Museum features
several distinctive rotating exhibits highlighting the area’s rich artistic, cultural and historic heritage. Each
fall, the town hosts the popular South Carolina Pecan Festival, which includes live music, food and craft
vendors, amusement rides and other activities. Downtown has been undergoing significant revitalization
to include the rehabilitation of historic structures and construction of new buildings that will house offices,
commercial space and apartments.
Information provided from The Great American Stations Project.

Florence County, SC | Comprehensive Plan pg. 68