Cherokee County, South Carolina

Cherokee County, South Carolina
source
County	Cherokee County
State	South Carolina
Founded	1897
Seat	Gaffney
Largest city	Gaffney
Area total sq mi	397
Area land sq mi	393
Area water sq mi	4.0
Area percentage	1.0%
Population as of	2020
Population total	56,216
Population density sq mi	143
Time zone	Eastern
District	5th
Named for	Cherokee people

Cherokee County, South Carolina is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 United States Census, its population was 56,216. Its county seat and largest city is Gaffney, known for the iconic Peachoid water tower. The county was formed in 1897 from parts of York, Union, and Spartanburg counties and is named for the Cherokee people who historically inhabited the region.

History

The area was originally part of the Cherokee Nation's territory, with key settlements like Cherokee Township and the site of the Battle of Cowpens nearby. Following the American Revolutionary War, the Treaty of Hopewell in 1785 attempted to establish boundaries with the Cherokee, but white settlement pressure increased. The American Civil War brought significant local engagement, including skirmishes during General William T. Sherman's Carolinas Campaign. The county was officially established by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly in 1897, with its creation driven by the economic growth of Gaffney and the expansion of the railroad network. The early 20th century was dominated by the textile industry, with numerous mills like the Limestone Mills becoming economic pillars, a legacy preserved at the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 397 square miles, of which 393 square miles is land and 4.0 square miles is water. It is situated in the Piedmont region of South Carolina. The Broad River flows along its western border, while the Pacolet River runs through its central and eastern sections. Major bodies of water include Lake Blalock and parts of Lake Bowen, which are popular for recreation. The county's terrain features rolling hills and is part of the Broad River basin. It is bordered by Spartanburg County to the west, Union County to the south, York County to the east, and the state of North Carolina to the north.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 56,216 people residing in the county. The racial makeup was approximately 71.5% White, 20.8% African American, 1.8% Asian American, 0.4% Native American, and 3.8% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic and Latino Americans of any race comprised 6.8% of the population. The population density was about 143 people per square mile. The largest population centers are Gaffney and the communities of Blacksburg and Smyrna. Historical data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows steady growth through the mid-20th century, followed by relative stability in recent decades.

Government and infrastructure

Cherokee County operates under a council-administrator form of government. It is part of the 5th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Ralph Norman. The county is served by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and is within the jurisdiction of the Seventh Judicial Circuit of South Carolina. Key infrastructure includes a segment of Interstate 85 which runs east-west through the county, facilitating major commercial traffic. Other significant routes are U.S. Route 29 and South Carolina Highway 11. The county is also home to the Cherokee County Airport and is served by the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

Economy

Historically centered on textile manufacturing with companies like Timken (formerly Textile Hall Corporation), the economy has diversified. Major employers now include BMW's manufacturing plant in nearby Spartanburg County, which draws a significant workforce, and AMG in Gaffney. Agriculture remains important, with the county being a notable producer of peaches, celebrated by the annual South Carolina Peach Festival. The service sector, retail, and health care are growing economic drivers. Industrial parks, such as those near Interstate 85, continue to attract logistics and manufacturing investment.

Education

Public education is managed by the Cherokee County School District, which operates schools including Gaffney High School, known for its athletic rivalry with Spartanburg High School. The district is also home to the Cherokee Technology Center. Higher education is served by Limestone University, a private liberal arts institution in Gaffney founded in 1845. The university is a member of the NCAA Division II and competes in the South Atlantic Conference. The county is also in close proximity to Spartanburg Community College and University of South Carolina Upstate.

Notable people

Notable individuals from the county include James F. Byrnes, who served as United States Secretary of State, Supreme Court Justice, and Governor of South Carolina. Baseball Hall of Fame member Joe Jackson, known as "Shoeless Joe", was born in Pickens County but spent much of his life in the county. Musician and Grand Ole Opry star Dottie West was born near Smyrna. Former National Football League player and coach Rex Ryan is a graduate of Gaffney High School. Author and poet Bennett Cerf was also a native.

Category:Cherokee County, South Carolina Category:1897 establishments in South Carolina Category:Counties of South Carolina