A master plan of the Francis Marion Trail will be presented at 6:15 p.m. today to the public in the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library on Dargan Street in Florence.
The Francis Marion Trail Commission's goal is to identify, locate, interpret and develop sites relating to Gen. Francis Marion and to use those sites as a basis for the development of a heritage tourism trail. This includes his campaigns in the Pee Dee, Midlands and Lowcountry. Marion County plays a significant role in the trail concept. The project was launched by a private group in 2003, and the concept was developed in 2004. A commission was created by the S.C. General Assembly in June 2005 and archeological work began in February 2006.
Recently, Florence attorney Mark Buyck III was named chairman of the Francis Marion Trail Commission. Buyck, 47, takes the reins from Ben Zeigler, the first commission chairman and the driving force behind its establishment. Zeigler, also a Florence attorney, has served since the trail commission was formed in 2003. “Ben had the idea for the trail and got us to where we are now,” Buyck said. “We’ve got a lot of momentum going and plan to carry forward on that ... We are dependent on the local communities to make this a reality.”
The Jaeger Co. was selected last year to undertake the Master Plan. The plan is based on archeological resource and existing and potential infrastructure, recommended trail sites and routes, as well as standards for facilities and interpretation. Fifteen Gen. Marion sites have been identified for the trail. Robert Barrett is the Trail Commission's director. He can be reached at (843) 229-1136.
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