Florence National Cemetery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Florence National Cemetery
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Graves in the cemetery
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 803 E. National Cemetery Rd., Florence, South Carolina |
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| Area | 10.4 acres (4.2 ha) |
| Built | 1872 |
| MPS | Civil War Era National Cemeteries MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001207 |
| Added to NRHP | January 5, 1998 |
The Florence National Cemetery is a special burial ground in Florence, South Carolina. It's a United States National Cemetery, which means it's managed by the U.S. government. This cemetery is a resting place for many brave people who served in the military. It covers about 24.9 acres and, by 2021, had more than 12,000 burials.
History of the Cemetery
The Florence National Cemetery began on land that the U.S. government took over and later bought. This land was once owned by James H. Jarrott. It was located about a quarter of a mile from the Florence Stockade, which was a prisoner of war camp during the American Civil War.
The area officially became a National Cemetery in 1865. After the Civil War ended, the remains of soldiers from nearby battlefields were moved and reburied here. This helped ensure that those who died serving their country had a proper resting place.
In 1998, the Florence National Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This listing recognizes its importance as a historic site.
Notable People Buried Here
The cemetery is the final resting place for many people who made a difference. Here are a few notable individuals:
- Florena Budwin
- Florena Budwin was a brave woman who dressed as a man to fight in the American Civil War.
- She wanted to serve alongside her husband, who was a Captain in the Union army.
- Sadly, her husband was killed in action.
- Florena was captured by the Confederate forces.
- She then worked as a nurse at the Florence prisoner of war camp until her death.
- Boatswain's Mate First Class James Elliott Williams
- James Elliott Williams was a hero who received the Medal of Honor.
- This is the highest military award for bravery.
- He earned it for his actions during the Vietnam War.
