Florence in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Ship’s Bell

USS South Carolina (BB 26)

— Florence Veterans Park —

Ship’s Bell Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 2, 2020

1. Ship’s Bell Marker

Inscription.
The Dreadnaught Battleship USS South Carolina (BB 26) was in service from 1 July 1908 – 15 Dec 1921. She was the third of four ships that have been named for the Palmetto State. During the early part of World War I, the USS South Carolina patrolled the US east coast between Philadelphia and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In Sep, 1918, the ship provided convoy escort bound for France. During WW I, William Gilmer commanded the ship and received the Navy Cross.

One notable crew member was LCDR Chester W. Nimitz (Executive Officer) who later became Commander-in-Chief US Pacific Fleet during WWII and achieved the rank of Fleet Admiral of the United States Navy, the highest grade in the Navy. After WWII, he was appointed Chief of Naval Operations.

Displacement: 16,000 tons
Length: 452’9”
Beam: 80’21/2” Draft: 24’6”
Speed: 18.8 knots
Ship’s Complement: 751
Armament: 8 12” guns; 22 3”guns; 2 3-pounders; 2 21” torpedo tubes
Class: South Carolina

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Communications • War, World I • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients, and the Historic Bells series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1908.

Location.

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34° 11.109′ N, 79° 50.055′ W. Marker is in Florence, South Carolina, in Florence County. Memorial can be reached from the intersection of Woody Jones Boulevard and Florence Rail Trail, on the right when traveling east. Florence Veterans Park can be reached from the far south parking lot of the Florence Civic Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence SC 29501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. U.S. Navy Monument (here, next to this marker); USS Arizona Memorial (a few steps from this marker); September 11, 2001 (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II Tribute (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Army Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Korea (within shouting distance of this marker); Desert Storm (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Also see . . . USS South Carolina. (Submitted on February 14, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, May 2, 2020

2. Ship’s Bell Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 242 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 14, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.