Cherokee County, South Carolina

Limestone_College

Cherokee County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of South Carolina
South Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	South Carolina
Founded	1897
Seat	Gaffney
Area
• Total	397 sq mi (1,030 km2)
• Land	393 sq mi (1,020 km2)
• Water	4.0 sq mi (10 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	56,216
• Density	143/sq mi (55/km2)

Cherokee County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 56,216. The county seat is Gaffney. The county was formed in 1897 from parts of Spartanburg, Union, and York counties.

History

Cherokee County was established in 1897 and named for the Cherokee people, who historically occupied the area. The county has a rich history, including significant events during the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 397 square miles (1,030 km²), of which 393 square miles (1,020 km²) is land and 4.0 square miles (10 km²) (1.0%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Cleveland County, North Carolina - north
• York County, South Carolina - east
• Union County, South Carolina - south
• Spartanburg County, South Carolina - west
• Rutherford County, North Carolina - northwest

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 56,216 people, 21,519 households, and 14,872 families residing in the county. The population density was 143 people per square mile (55/km²).

Government and politics

Cherokee County is governed by a council-administrator system. The county council consists of seven members elected from single-member districts.

Economy

The economy of Cherokee County is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, agriculture, and retail sectors. The county is also known for its peach production.

Education

Cherokee County is served by the Cherokee County School District, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. Higher education is provided by Limestone University in Gaffney.

Transportation

Major highways in Cherokee County include Interstate 85, U.S. Route 29, and South Carolina Highway 11. The county is also served by the Gaffney Municipal Airport.

Attractions

Cherokee County is home to several attractions, including the Cowpens National Battlefield, which commemorates a decisive battle in the American Revolutionary War, and the Gaffney Peachoid, a large water tower in the shape of a peach.

Communities

City

• Gaffney (county seat)

Town

• Blacksburg

Unincorporated communities

• Draytonville
• Thicketty

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Cherokee County, South Carolina
• List of counties in South Carolina