Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Florence National Cemetery Annex
Florence National Cemetery is located in Florence County in the city of Florence, SC.
The land for Florence National Cemetery was appropriated, and later purchased, from the estate of a local resident about a quarter-mile from the POW camp. Original interments were made in two separate burial grounds, one containing 416 remains and the other approximately 2,322 remains. Interments at the larger site were made in 16 trenches; in 1865, this site was designated a national cemetery and the remains from the smaller burial ground were dug up and reinterred there. Remains were also disinterred from the surrounding region of Darlington, Cheraw and the Marion Districts and transferred to Florence National Cemetery. The wooden headboards marking the trench graves were replaced by 2,167 marble "unknown" head blocks measuring 6 x 6 inches square and set approximately six inches apart. In 1955, all but five of these markers were replaced with 32 upright marble headstones at each end of the trenches.
Florence National Cemetery was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
Monuments and Memorials A carillon was donated by the American Veterans as part of their international living memorial program, which began shortly after World War II.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Florence National Cemetery Annex, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
Recipients receive the Medal of Honor from the President on behalf of Congress. It was first awarded during the Civil War and the eligibility criteria, medal design, and recognition on a recipients' grave marker have all evolved over time. There are 434 Medal of Honor recipients interred at VA national cemeteries including 6 double recipients.
» Medal of Honor recipients interred or memorialized here:
Chief Boatswain's Mate James Elliott Williams (Vietnam).
James Elliott Williams, a native of South Carolina, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1947, and retired in 1967 as one of the most highly decorated sailors in U.S. Navy history, having received the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Navy and Marine Corps Medal among other commendations. Williams received the Medal of Honor in 1968 for actions in the Mekong Delta, Republic of Vietnam. On October 31, 1966, Williams' patrol was attacked and during the three-hour battle, he exposed himself to the enemy to direct the counter-fire. Williams' patrol took out 65 enemy boats and, that day, defeated guerilla forces. He died October 13, 1999, and is buried in Section F, Site 177.
Other Burials Florena Budwin was the bride of a captain from Pennsylvania.
After Captain Budwin joined the federal forces, his bride disguised herself as a man and donned a uniform, hoping to find her husband. She was captured near Charleston, SC in 1864 and sent to Florence in the autumn of that year. After arriving at the stockade with thousands of other Union troops, she took sick as the rations were meager and medical supplies scarce. While the camp physician was making a routine examination, he found that one of his patients was a woman. She was moved to separate quarters and given food and clothing by the sympathetic women of Florence. When she recovered, she told a most remarkable story of how she had donned a federal uniform so as to serve by the side of her husband, that her husband has been killed, and that she was captured. After Florena grew strong, she stayed on at the prison as a nurse, and her devotion for her husband was bestowed on the hundreds of soldiers who were suffering from lack of food and medicine. A few months later, she fell sick a second time and did not recover. She died on January 25, 1865 .
Section D, Site 2480
Eligibility for burial at Florence National Cemetery Annex
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
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Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
The cemetery is located one mile east of Florence Regional Airport. From the airport, turn left onto Palmetto Rd. Turn left onto McCall Blvd. Turn right on National Cemetery Rd. The cemetery is one mile on your left. The administration office and historical side of the cemetery are located one mile on your right; however the kiosk and newer expansion side of the cemetery are located one mile on your left at Stockade Dr.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.
Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing.
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
More than half of VA's national cemeteries originated with the Civil War and many are closed to some burials. Other sites were established to serve World War veterans and they continue to expand. Historic themes related with NCA's cemeteries and soldiers' lots vary, but visitors should understand "Why is it here?" NCA began by installing interpretive signs, or waysides, at more than 100 properties to observe the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015). Please follow the links below to see the interpretive signs for Florence National Cemetery.
A National Cemetery System Florence National Cemetery Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Florence National Cemetery Annex (by straight-line distance):
- Florence National Cemetery — Florence, SC (0 mi · closed)
- Fort Jackson National Cemetery — Columbia, SC (63 mi · open)
- Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery — Spring Lake, NC (81 mi · open)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Florence National Cemetery Annex have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Stoudenmire Dowling Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2402 South Irby St. in Florence, SC. The property features well-appointed spaces including onsite crematory, 16,000 sq. ft. facility, and food and beverage options. Professional offerings include traditional burial, cremation, and preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,475, while direct cremation is available from $1,725. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, and Church of God.
Ideal Funeral Parlor is a premier funeral home located at 106 East Darlington St. in Florence, SC. The property features well-appointed spaces including state-of-the-art facility and comfortable environment. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and preplanning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,190. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,810, while direct cremation is available from $2,190. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian (Protestant, including African Methodist Episcopal).
Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2402 South Irby Street in Florence, SC. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Layton-Anderson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 4210 West Palmetto Street in Florence, SC. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site chapel. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation, and personalization, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,475, while direct cremation is available from $1,995.
Belk Funeral Home - Darlington is a premier funeral home located at 229 West Broad St. in Darlington, SC. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,885. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 31 reviews.
Belk Funeral Home - Lamar is a premier funeral home located at 217 Main St. in Darlington, SC. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. Direct cremation services are provided starting at $1,985. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 5.0-star Google rating across 31 reviews.
Floyd Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 136 East Main Street in Olanta, SC. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapel and cemetery equipment. Professional offerings include immediate need, funeral planning, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,695. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,995, while direct cremation is available from $2,695. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Southern Methodist and Southern Baptist.
Jackson & McGill Funeral Home, LLC is a premier funeral home located at 612 South Main Street in Marion, SC. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.