Florence National Cemetery

Florence National Cemetery is a military cemetery in South Carolina covering extensive grounds with over 12,000 burial sites. The graves are marked with white marble headstones arranged in straight rows throughout the property.

The cemetery was founded in 1865 near the Florence Stockade, bringing together two earlier burial grounds into one location. This consolidation created a central place to honor the fallen from multiple military conflicts.

The cemetery holds soldiers who shaped military history, including Medal of Honor recipient James Elliott Williams from the Vietnam War. Visitors can sense the honor given to these service members through the carefully ordered rows of white headstones.

The grounds are open to visitors during daylight hours for a reflective walk through the property. The layout makes it easy to navigate and visit different sections at your own pace.

Florena Budwin, buried in Section D, was a woman who disguised herself as a male soldier to locate her husband. She later worked as a nurse at the Florence prison camp until her death.

Location: South Carolina

GPS coordinates: 34.18472,-79.75444

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:42