Florence in Florence County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
James Allen
1832 - 1913
He came to the village of Florence in 1865. Established a general mercantile store at corner of Evans & Dargan. Helped create Florence County in 1888.
Allen Hall upstairs was used for town hall, library, YMCA, synagogue. The patriarch of four generations of physicians who helped make Florence a medical community of national significance.
His daughter Florence married Dr. F. H. McLeod founder of the McLeod infirmary.
His son Dr. Edwin M. Allen was the father of Dr. Edwin M. Allen, Jr. and Dr. James Allen
Erected by a grateful city and his descendants.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Political Subdivisions • Religion & Religious Structures • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. 34° 11.817′ N, 79° 45.993′ W. Marker is in Florence, South Carolina, in Florence County. It is on South Dargan Street south of West Evans Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker stands on the grounds of James Allen Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 122 W Evans St, Florence SC 29501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Civil Rights Sit-Ins (within shouting distance of this marker); Bell, Florence City Hall
this page online
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 58 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
