Cherokee

In 1897, lands from York, Spartanburg, and Union counties merged to create Cherokee County.

In 1897, lands from York, Spartanburg, and Union counties merged to create Cherokee County. The Revolutionary War battle of Cowpens was fought in the county. Cherokee County is named in honor of the Cherokee Indians that lived in the area prior to settlement.

Also referred to as the Old Iron District, Cherokee County is known for the iron mines that powered the area’s pre-Civil War economy. Currently, the county relies much more on the manufacturing industry. However, agriculture is also important in the area, and “Cherokee County is one of the major producers of peaches in all of the U.S.” Gaffney serves as its county seat.

Welcome to Cherokee County. Accessed June 01, 2016.
 

Gaffney
Episode 1

Video

In this first segment, Joanna Angle discusses the early history of Gaffney, South Carolina. Gaffney is popular for its mineral deposits, attracting settlers to the area since the late 1700s. Gaffney...
Gaffney
Episode 4

Video

Artifacts from America’s conflicts, from the American Revolution, to Operation: Desert Storm can be found here. The purpose of the museum is not to glorify war, but to honor those who served, and gave...
Gaffney
Episode 3

Video

The Battle of Cowpens, a decisive battle of the American Revolution, took place here on January 17, 1781. Leading the American patriots was Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, against the British, under...
Gaffney
Episode 2

Video

Founded in 1845, Limestone College was originally a Baptist seminary, and was the first institution of higher learning for women in South Carolina. Today, it is a four year, coeducational liberal arts...
Gaffney
Episode 5

Video

Possum Trot was a typical field school, supported by farming families living close-by. Joanna Angle discusses what going to school was like during the school’s days of operation.
Gaffney
Episode 6

Video

Gaffney takes peaches seriously. Not only is Gaffney the home of the South Carolina Peach Festival, but its million gallon water storage tank is also in the shape of a giant peach.
Battlefield Preservation | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 6

Audio

Walter Edgar and John Slaughter discuss how the Civil War Battlefield Trust has taken an interest in Revolutionary War battlefields, and their efforts in wanting to preserve these historic locations...