Florence is one of Alabama’s oldest cities, founded in 1818. With deep historical roots within the state, comes many interesting historical facts about Florence. We’ve put together a list of some of the most interesting historical facts about Florence that you probably didn’t know. Keep reading to get a glimpse into the rich history of Florence.

1. Florence is home to the largest American Indian mound in the Tennessee River Valley

Florence Mounds — The Florence Mound on the bank of the Tennessee River. (Bess Christopher/The Bama Buzz)

Estimated to have been built around 2,000 years ago, the Florence Mound is located on the bank of the Tennessee River. Artifacts found on the site lead archaeologists to believe that the mound was built during the Middle Woodland period which dates back to 1 AD to 500 AD. A museum was built adjacent to the mound in order to exhibit artifacts that were recovered from the site.

2. One of Florences’ busiest streets is the grave of a notorious outlaw

Tennessee Street in downtown Florence. (Bess Christopher/The Bama Buzz)

Tennessee Street in downtown Florence is the burial site of one of the Civil War’s notorious bad boys, Tom Clark, who spent his time during the war terrorizing helpless citizens of Florence. Clark was said to have boasted to multiple people that “No one would ever run over Tom Clark”. Following Tom’s many crimes, he was hanged and then buried under East Tennessee Street so that everyone who passed through town would run over Tom Clark, Leaving his boasts far from true.

3. Florence is the birthplace of the “Father of the Blues”

Wc Handy In Florence — Florence is home to the annual W.C. Handy Music Festival. (Bess Christopher/The Bama Buzz)

W.C. Handy was an American musician and composer who was born in Florence Alabama in 1873. Handy was one of the leaders in popularizing the blues genre of music in the early 1900’s. He is considered to be one of the most influential songwriters in American history and is considered to be the “father of the blues”. Florence continues to honor his legacy by annually hosting The W.C. Handy Music Festival.

4. Florence is the home of the state’s oldest ice-cream shop

Trowbridge Florence — The ice cream shop opened in Florence in 1918. (Bess Christopher/The Bama Buzz)

Trowbridge’s Ice cream & sandwich shop has been serving the people of Florence for over 100 years. Trowbridge’s opened its doors in downtown Florence in the year 1918. The shop is still owned by the same family who started the business many years ago. Even today Trowbridge’s keeps up the old time ice cream shop feel with their decor and classic southern dishes.

5. UNA is Alabama’s oldest public 4 year university

Una Campus — The University of North Alabama campus in Florence. (Bess Christopher/The Bama Buzz)

Located in the heart of downtown Florence is The University of North Alabama. The University opened its doors in 1830 as LaGrange College, a methodist school, in Colbert County. The school moved to its current campus in Florence, AL in the year 1855. Over the course of UNA’S life the University has had 9 different names, finally landing on The University of North Alabama in 1974.

Which of these historical facts about Florence is your favorite? What places do you want to see us cover next in Florence? Tag The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn!