Florence, SC (FLO)

805 East Day Street
Florence, SC 29506

Station Ownership

Facility:
McLeod Regional Medical Center

Parking:
McLeod Regional Medical Center

Platform(s):
CSXT

Track(s):
CSXT

Amtrak Contact

Todd Stennis

Routes Served:

• Palmetto
• Silver Meteor

History

The Amtrak station in Florence was constructed in 1996 by CSX as a replacement to the historic station that sits right beside it. The old building was once a huge station with six tracks and eight raised concrete platforms. However, today, only one of the passenger tracks is still in place. Both stations, old and new, are currently owned by the McLeod Regional Medical Center, though the former station is used as office space by the hospital.

The station in use today is much smaller and less grandiose than its historic counterpart, although it has white arches and well-kept landscaping.

Florence was part of the original townships laid out by the Lords of Proprieters in 1719, but the town remained thinly populated until Florence became a railroad terminal at the juncture of three lines: the Wilmington & Manchester, the North Eastern and the Cheraw & Darlington. Florence was named in honor of Florence Harllee, daughter W.W. Harllee, president of the Wilmington & Manchester Railroad.

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.

Henry Timrod rose to prominence during the Civil War and became known as The Poet Laureate of the Confederacy, teaching at a schoolhouse nearby.

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, the Darlington Raceway, Timrod Park and the Florence Little Theater. It’s also home to several professional athletes, including baseball player Reggie Sanders.

This facility is has a waiting room and is staffed by Amtrak employees.

Florence is served by four daily trains.

ADA Compliance

Federal law requires compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by 2010. The following is a list of items typically required for transportation and public facilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please check the regulations for guidance or contact us for more information.