American Legion Stadium

Front: American Legion Stadium opened at this site in 1941. The 2,500-seat facility was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) with support from the American Legion and Florence city school system. The lighted, segregated stadium hosted white as well as Black baseball teams at the high school, minor league, and semi-pro levels. National teams from the Negro Leagues also played there. It was also used for concerts and other public events. The stadium burned down in 1970. Reverse: In 1973 the City of Florence opened Dr. Iola Jones Park at this site. The 7.5-acre park was built to serve the predominantly Black Northside neighborhood. It was named for civic leader Iola Deas Jones (1892-1978), a former social worker active in a number of causes in support of local African Americans. Upon opening, the park included a baseball field, basketball courts, playground equipment, and other amenities. It hosted local sports leagues and other community activities.