Business, industry, agriculture, education, and religion. They are all part of Gaffney's past and present and future.
In 1803 Michael Gaffney established a store where two Indian trails crossed, the current intersection of the highways U.S. 29 and S.C. 11. His store flourished and soon a resort hotel was built near Limestone Springs. An iron works was established at Cherokee Ford on the Broad River .
As the settlement of Gaffney grew the hotel was converted into a college for women, it is now houses the administrative offices of Limestone College. The railroad was built in 1873 and the tracks was surveyed, streets laid out, and homes and business built. Gaffney was a incorporated in 1857 Gaffney's textile industry was established in 1887 and cotton became the major agricultural crop.
In 1897 Cherokee County was formed and became the county seat. Public utilities were established. The dreams of a public library and Hospital became true. Agriculture and the spinning and weaving of cotton were the main employment until 1945.
With the end of World War II, the diversification of industry started. Textiles remained strong with the addition of dyeing, finishing and apparel manufacturing. The metal fabricating industry discovered Gaffney. Food processing became a major employer. Distribution centers were established to utilize the highway and rail systems. Cotton gave way to peaches .
There are currently 36 churches representing 13 denominations in the Gaffney area.
The churches and local civic clubs make Gaffney a caring place in which to live.
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