The City of Florence was chartered in 1871 and founded as a railroad hub, becoming the junction of three major railroad systems including the Northeastern, the Wilmington and Manchester, and the Cheraw and Darlington. It was incorporated in 1890 and remains one of the major cities in South Carolina. While the city offers a wide variety of attractions, be sure to visit the Florence County Museum and Timrod Park for a fun time with relatively no cost. Admission to the museum and park is free, however, you might want to purchase some of the museum's cool merchandise or a membership to offer support. Enjoy a great day in Florence, South Carolina, at both of these worthwhile attractions.

The Florence County Museum is a reflection of the area's rich, artistic, and cultural history, exhibited through an exciting variety of engaging displays, lectures, studios, educational, and family programming.

And while it is relatively small, it is full of unexpected treasures.

Displayed on two floors, this bright, inviting open venue offers information feeding a variety of interest levels from fossils to art to military history.

In 2003, this ancient 18-foot-tall bald cypress trunk sub-fossil was discovered near Johnsonville in a layer of white sand between 30- to 40 feet under the banks of the Lynches River. About 100 other specimens were discovered. According to scientists, the large finding makes it one of the most unique ancient wood discoveries in the world.

Carbon dating shows the wooden specimens are between 50,000- and 100,000 years old. The largest specimens studied were eight feet in diameter with 700 annual growth rings.

Some of them were around with these ancient tribes in this exhibit Native Americans in the Pee Dee and Early Native Cultures. The Pee Dee is a region in the northeast corner of South Carolina lying along the lower watershed of the Pee Dee River, getting its name from the Pee Dee Native Tribe. This state-recognized tribe has approximately 200 members.

Some other tribes from the region including the Catawba, Edisto, Chicora, Santee, Chicora-Waccamaw, Yamassee, and descendants of the Cherokee remain present in the area. Stop by this exhibit and learn about those who came before and how they lived.

WOW — What would it have been like to see one of these ferocious Saber-toothed tigers roaming around in the woods? In 1983, the first confirmed fossil was found of one living in the state at Edisto Beach.

And by other found fossils it was proved these cats lived along the coastal grasslands during the Pleistocene Epoc lasting from 2,580,000 to 11,700 years ago. It wears the crown as one of the most famous prehistoric mammals.

The exhibits highlighting various historical periods are well done, offering detailed and accurate information in a user-friendly presentation. The artifacts on display are supported by historical images and narrative interpretation.

Walk into this General Store and try to imagine going into the rustic building to purchase life's necessities.

After a trip to the museum, explore Timrod Park located smack-dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Florence. This 18-acre park offers plenty of greenspace, bridges over a creek, and trails. The beautiful recreation area is clean and well-maintained.

It offers a 1917 steam locomotive built by Vulcan Iron Works. You will also find the Liberty Garden, public restrooms, lighted tennis courts, a picnic shelter, two fitness courses, and interpretive nature trails.

The park's namesake is Henry Timrod, known as the poet laureate of the Confederacy. The man is famous for writing the lyrics to the state anthem “Carolina.” He was born in Charleston in 1828 and by 1856, accepted a teaching position for the children of Col. William Cannon on Orange Grove Plantation in Mars Bluff near Florence.

This preserved single 12-foot-by-15-foot room was built in 1858 to help educate the plantation children. It was among these students where Timrod would eventually meet his bride, Kate Goodwin, who inspired many of his poems.

The park also features interesting displays, a gazebo, and a metal sculpture.

Of course a playground is here for the kids, which is a good place to stop for a breather.

Normally the park is well-stocked with families enjoying the great outdoors.

Are you ready for a fun-filled family trip to Florence? After you go to this museum and park in South Carolina and if you find yourself feeling hungry, take a drive to Julia Belle’s Restaurant, now in a new location at 2106-50 W. Lucas St. in Florence. This country charmer offers Lowcountry goodness through the staff's down-home cooking.