Florence, Maryland facts for kids

Florence is a small, unincorporated community located in Howard County, Maryland, in the United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town does. Instead, it's part of the larger county.

What is Florence?

Florence is a quiet area in Maryland with a rich history. Even though it's not a big city, it has played a part in the story of Howard County. Many years ago, it was a busy crossroads where people lived and worked.

Early Days and Important Places

Florence had a post office for many years, which was a very important place for people to send and receive letters and packages. This post office was open from June 17, 1868, until March 31, 1906.

The Post Office and School

Having a post office meant that Florence was a recognized community where people could connect with the outside world. Besides the post office, Florence also had a one-room schoolhouse. A famous person named Edwin Warfield, who later became the Governor of Maryland, actually taught at this school when he was younger. This shows that even small communities like Florence were important for education and growth.

How Florence Got Its Name

The community of Florence was named by a man named Gassaway Watkins Warfield. He named the town before he passed away while serving in the Confederate Army. The Confederate Army was a group of soldiers who fought during the American Civil War.

Life in the Community

Florence was located right where Florence Road and Jennings Chapel Road meet. Jennings Chapel Road was named after Dr. Samuel Kennedy Jennings. A church congregation, which is a group of people who worship together, moved to this location from an older schoolhouse, and that's how the road got its name.

Growing Population

In the past, Florence was a growing community. By 1870, about 16 people lived there. Just ten years later, in 1880, the population had grown to 25 people. This shows that more families were moving to and settling in Florence.

The General Store

Every community needs a place where people can buy everyday items. In Florence, there was a general store owned by the Picketts family. This store was a central part of the community until it was sadly destroyed by a fire in 1909.