The first inhabitants of this area were the Pee Dee Indians.
In 1730, Robert Johnson, 1st Royal Govener of SC, ordered 11 townships to be created. One of these included what is now named Florence County.
Welch immigrants from Pennsylvania settled in the Pee Dee Region.
In 1780, Francis Marion, known as the "Swamp Fox", began his exploits in the swamps of the Pee Dee.
The City of Florence began as a Railroad depot and an Inn.
In 1859, Jerome P. Chase, arrived and eventually became known as the "Father of Florence".
The City was named after Florence Henning Harlee, daughter of General W. W. Harlee, President of Wilmington and Manchester Railroad.
In 1888, the SC General Assembly created the County of Florence encompassing the towns of Timmonsville, Coward, Lake City and the town of Florence as it's County Seat.
In 1890 the City of Florence was incorporated.
During the 1940's, Florence was the largest rail station in South Carolina.
During the 1960's and 70's, construction of interstates 95 and 20 helped Florence grow as a transportation center.