The City of Florence, Alabama was founded in 1818 on the banks of the beautiful Tennessee River in the scenic Northwest corner of Alabama.  Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and two counties, Lauderdale and Colbert, comprise the Shoals area.

The history of Florence and the Shoals began over 10,000 years ago when Native Americans inhabited the area.  Evidence of their existence can still be found at the ancient Florence Indian Mound.

In 1818, the Cypress Land Company was formed to develop a thriving river town. A young Italian surveyor laid out the town of Florence and named it for his favorite city in Italy — Florence.

The area is rich in Civil War history.  Although no major battles were fought here, there is ample evidence of skirmishes all over the area.   Popes Tavern, located in Downtown Florence, served as a hospital for both Union and Confederate troops - depending on who controlled the area at the time.  It now serves as a museum that highlights Florence's rich history.