Gaffney, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Gaffney is a city in and the county seat
of Cherokee County
, South Carolina
, United States
, in the upstate region of South Carolina. Gaffney is also sometimes referred to as the Peach capital of South Carolina. The population was 12,414 at the 2010 census
. It is the principal city of the Gaffney, South Carolina, Micropolitan Statistical Area (population 52,537 according to year 2000 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau), an µSA which includes all of Cherokee County and which is further included in the greater Greenville
-Spartanburg
-Anderson
, South Carolina Combined Statistical Area
(population 1,185,534 according to year 2005 U.S. Census Bureau estimates).
, Co. Longford, Ireland, in 1775, emigrated to America in 1797, arriving in New York and moving to Charleston, South Carolina
a few years later. Gaffney moved again in 1804 to the South Carolina Upcountry (The Upstate
) and established a tavern and lodging house at what became known as "Gaffney's Cross Roads." The location was perfect for growth because of the two major roads which met here, one from the mountains of North Carolina to Charleston and the other from Charlotte into Georgia. Michael Gaffney died here on September 6, 1854.
In 1872, the area became known as "Gaffney City." Gaffney became the county seat of Cherokee County which was formed out of parts of York, Union, and Spartanburg Counties in 1897. Gaffney became a major center for the textile industry in South Carolina and was the backbone of the county's economy up until the 1980s.
Despite the small amount of population growth, businesses and companies continue to locate within the city limits, especially along the bustling Floyd Baker Boulevard and Highway 105 and many other areas within the city limits, however, most population growth occurs outside the city limits.
Uptown Gaffney began to languish after I-85 was built in the county as industries located near the new highway. Recent renovations in downtown Gaffney have prompted more businesses to locate there, but there is still a great deal that is planned for the central part of the city. Many plans have been announced for the downtown area, including a large 20 acres (80,937.2 m²) park that will be developed on the grounds of a recently demolished mill. A plaza has been completed beside city hall and includes a refurbished fountain and extensive landscaping. Highlights to the upgrade of the city's park system include a skatepark, two passive parks, and several children's playgrounds.
In 2008 the Cherokee County History & Arts Museum opened on College Drive in the historic Central Elementary School Building. The Museum is operated by the Cherokee Historical & Preservation Society, Inc. and is located on the mustering ground of the SC militia (1812–1914). Located just blocks from downtown Gaffney and in one of the cities three Nationally Registered Historic Districts, the Museum offers new cultural opportunities for locals and visitors, while having a positive economic impact for the downtown area. Annual events include a pottery show, car show, and ghost walk.
The city has recently hired an architectural firm to renovate the old Gaffney Post Office located at the intersection of Frederick and Granard Streets into a Visitor's Center and Art Gallery.
There are also plans for a large cultural center to be placed in the downtown area. In 2009 Darren Mason was elected president of Gaffney Downtown Business Assoc. and has worked closely with city officials in revitalizing the Historic Downtown area which consists of about 6 blocks. New matching fund programs have been key to restoring old buildings by painting and using attractive awnings to spruce up the old look of main street.
A farmers' market, Gaffney Station Farmers' Market, has been established in a city parking lot directly across from the old post office downtown. The farmers' market operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays June through October. There are also plans to create a more permanent site for the farmer's market at that site. The City of Gaffney plans to build a partial replica of the old train depot that was once located there. The partial replica will house a portion of the farmer's market, and also act as a landmark that calls back to the days of the old depot.
The city recently concluded Spring Session '08 of a popular concert series entitled Shindig at the Gaffney Cabin. Bands perform on a weekly basis - Fridays during the Spring Session (May) and Thursdays during the Fall Session (late August through September). Concerts are held on Thursdays during Fall Sessions so as not to conflict with Gaffney Indian football games on Friday nights. The City will hold more of those concerts in 2009, this time from April to June 2009, and again from August to October of the same year.
Two serial killers have at different times attacked residents of Gaffney. In 1968 Lee Roy Martin, known as the Gaffney Strangler, killed four women. In 2009, a series of shootings led to five deaths.
It is located 55 miles (88.5 km) from Charlotte, North Carolina and 50 miles (80.5 km) from Greenville, South Carolina. It is served by the Charlotte, N.C. and Greenville, S.C major airports. These airports are almost equidistant from Gaffney, with Charlotte being slightly closer. It is also approximately 190 miles (305.8 km) northeast of Atlanta, Georgia
. The other closest city is Spartanburg, S.C. which is 21 miles (33.8 km) south on I-85.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 7.9 square miles (20.5 km²), of which, 7.9 square miles (20.5 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it is water.
of 2000, there were 12,968 people, 5,304 households, and 3,336 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,649.7 people per square mile (637.0/km²). There were 5,765 housing units at an average density of 733.4 per square mile (283.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 50.48% White, 47.19% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.99% from other races
, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population.
There were 5,304 households out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.1% were married couples
living together, 21.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 82.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,480, and the median income for a family was $38,449. Males had a median income of $30,145 versus $22,167 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $17,755. About 13.3% of families and 26.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.2% of those under age 18 and 18.0% of those age 65 or over.
, also known as GSP International Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International (CLT).
Recent studies have proved that an airport is strongly needed in the county. Cherokee County is the only county in South Carolina without an airport. Requests are now being made to the federal government to support the construction of the new airport. Studies are also determining where the airport, if built, should be built.
Gaffney is located on the Interstate 85
corridor, linking it to Atlanta and Charlotte
, and Interstate 26
, which is in nearby Spartanburg, linking Gaffney to Asheville and the Mid-Atlantic.
Public transit is available through the Gaffney Cab Company for a relatively low fare.
Travellers know Gaffney from the Peachoid
Peach water tower making note that Gaffney is the peach capital of South Carolina, located along Interstate 85
. The Peachoid is a water tower shaped like a peach which some think as an erotic sculpture upon first view. It serves both artistic and practical functions.
The Gaffney High School football team is also well-known regionally. The program boasts 16 State Championships and alumni such as the Washington Redskins
' Rocky McIntosh
and University of South Carolina
All-American and Minnesota Vikings
' Sidney Rice
. In the 2005-2006 school year the school was chosen as Palmetto's Finest, the highest honor for high schools in the state. The school has succeeded greatly in increasing test scores across the board and increasing the graduation rate.
The 1940 census stated that there were 9327 people in Gaffney.
began killing residents of the rural town.
The first victim, a prominent peach farmer from western Cherokee County, was killed on June 27. On July 1, the killer was responsible for the death of an 83-year-old woman and her 50-year-old daughter. The two were found bound and shot to death in the elder woman's home near Gaffney. On July 2, 46-year-old Stephen Tyler was shot and killed in his appliance and furniture store; his teenage daughter, Abby, was critically wounded; she died of her injuries two days later.
The news spread quickly from the local newspaper to national and international media outlets including CNN
, ABC News
, The Wall Street Journal
, and the BBC
.
On July 6, police responding to an emergency call of a burglary in progress in Gaston County, North Carolina
shot and killed a suspect who drew a gun on them, injuring one officer. Ballistic tests and checks on the suspect's SUV indicated this to be the wanted killer, later identified as Patrick Tracy Burris.
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Cherokee County
Cherokee County, South Carolina
Cherokee County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The county was formed in 1897 from parts of York, Union, and Spartanburg Counties. It is included in the Gaffney, South Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2010 United States Census, the county's...
, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, in the upstate region of South Carolina. Gaffney is also sometimes referred to as the Peach capital of South Carolina. The population was 12,414 at the 2010 census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
. It is the principal city of the Gaffney, South Carolina, Micropolitan Statistical Area (population 52,537 according to year 2000 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau), an µSA which includes all of Cherokee County and which is further included in the greater Greenville
Greenville, South Carolina
-Law and government:The city of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of municipal government in 1976.-History:The area was part of the Cherokee Nation's protected grounds after the Treaty of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War. No White man was allowed to enter, though some families...
-Spartanburg
Spartanburg, South Carolina
thgSpartanburg is the largest city in and the county seat of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. It is the second-largest city of the three primary cities in the Upstate region of South Carolina, and is located northwest of Columbia, west of Charlotte, and about northeast of...
-Anderson
Anderson, South Carolina
Anderson is a city in and the county seat of Anderson County, South Carolina, United States. The population was estimated at 26,242 in 2006, and the city was the center of an urbanized area of 70,530...
, South Carolina Combined Statistical Area
Combined Statistical Area
The United States Office of Management and Budget defines micropolitan and metropolitan statistical areas. Metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas consist of one or more counties...
(population 1,185,534 according to year 2005 U.S. Census Bureau estimates).
History and general information
Michael A. Gaffney, born in GranardGranard
Granard is a town in the north of County Longford, Ireland and has a traceable history going back to 236 A.D.. It is situated just south of the boundary between the watersheds of the Shannon and the Erne, at the point where the N55 national secondary road and the R194 regional road...
, Co. Longford, Ireland, in 1775, emigrated to America in 1797, arriving in New York and moving to Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
a few years later. Gaffney moved again in 1804 to the South Carolina Upcountry (The Upstate
The Upstate
The Upstate is the region in northwestern South Carolina, United States, also known as The Upcountry, which is the historical term. Although loosely defined among locals, the general definition includes the 10 counties of the commerce-rich I-85 corridor in the northwest corner of South Carolina. ...
) and established a tavern and lodging house at what became known as "Gaffney's Cross Roads." The location was perfect for growth because of the two major roads which met here, one from the mountains of North Carolina to Charleston and the other from Charlotte into Georgia. Michael Gaffney died here on September 6, 1854.
In 1872, the area became known as "Gaffney City." Gaffney became the county seat of Cherokee County which was formed out of parts of York, Union, and Spartanburg Counties in 1897. Gaffney became a major center for the textile industry in South Carolina and was the backbone of the county's economy up until the 1980s.
Despite the small amount of population growth, businesses and companies continue to locate within the city limits, especially along the bustling Floyd Baker Boulevard and Highway 105 and many other areas within the city limits, however, most population growth occurs outside the city limits.
Uptown Gaffney began to languish after I-85 was built in the county as industries located near the new highway. Recent renovations in downtown Gaffney have prompted more businesses to locate there, but there is still a great deal that is planned for the central part of the city. Many plans have been announced for the downtown area, including a large 20 acres (80,937.2 m²) park that will be developed on the grounds of a recently demolished mill. A plaza has been completed beside city hall and includes a refurbished fountain and extensive landscaping. Highlights to the upgrade of the city's park system include a skatepark, two passive parks, and several children's playgrounds.
In 2008 the Cherokee County History & Arts Museum opened on College Drive in the historic Central Elementary School Building. The Museum is operated by the Cherokee Historical & Preservation Society, Inc. and is located on the mustering ground of the SC militia (1812–1914). Located just blocks from downtown Gaffney and in one of the cities three Nationally Registered Historic Districts, the Museum offers new cultural opportunities for locals and visitors, while having a positive economic impact for the downtown area. Annual events include a pottery show, car show, and ghost walk.
The city has recently hired an architectural firm to renovate the old Gaffney Post Office located at the intersection of Frederick and Granard Streets into a Visitor's Center and Art Gallery.
There are also plans for a large cultural center to be placed in the downtown area. In 2009 Darren Mason was elected president of Gaffney Downtown Business Assoc. and has worked closely with city officials in revitalizing the Historic Downtown area which consists of about 6 blocks. New matching fund programs have been key to restoring old buildings by painting and using attractive awnings to spruce up the old look of main street.
A farmers' market, Gaffney Station Farmers' Market, has been established in a city parking lot directly across from the old post office downtown. The farmers' market operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays June through October. There are also plans to create a more permanent site for the farmer's market at that site. The City of Gaffney plans to build a partial replica of the old train depot that was once located there. The partial replica will house a portion of the farmer's market, and also act as a landmark that calls back to the days of the old depot.
The city recently concluded Spring Session '08 of a popular concert series entitled Shindig at the Gaffney Cabin. Bands perform on a weekly basis - Fridays during the Spring Session (May) and Thursdays during the Fall Session (late August through September). Concerts are held on Thursdays during Fall Sessions so as not to conflict with Gaffney Indian football games on Friday nights. The City will hold more of those concerts in 2009, this time from April to June 2009, and again from August to October of the same year.
Two serial killers have at different times attacked residents of Gaffney. In 1968 Lee Roy Martin, known as the Gaffney Strangler, killed four women. In 2009, a series of shootings led to five deaths.
Geography
Gaffney is located at 35°4′18"N 81°39′00"W (35.071667, -81.650000).It is located 55 miles (88.5 km) from Charlotte, North Carolina and 50 miles (80.5 km) from Greenville, South Carolina. It is served by the Charlotte, N.C. and Greenville, S.C major airports. These airports are almost equidistant from Gaffney, with Charlotte being slightly closer. It is also approximately 190 miles (305.8 km) northeast of Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. The other closest city is Spartanburg, S.C. which is 21 miles (33.8 km) south on I-85.
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 7.9 square miles (20.5 km²), of which, 7.9 square miles (20.5 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it is water.
Media
- The Cherokee Chronicle: Local newspaper published on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- The Gaffney Ledger: Local newspaper published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
- WZZQ 104.3 FM and 1500 AM: Local news, country music
- WFGNWFGNWFGN is a radio station broadcasting a Religious format.Licensed to Gaffney, South Carolina, USA. The station is currently owned by Hope Broadcasting, Inc.....
1180 AM: Gospel music - WYFGWYFGWYFG is a radio station simulcasting the Bible Broadcasting Network for the Gaffney, Spartanburg, and Greenville areas of South Carolina as well as some of the western suburbs of the Charlotte area....
91.1 FM: Christian - Spartanburg Herald-JournalSpartanburg Herald-JournalThe Spartanburg Herald-Journal is a daily newspaper, and the primary newspaper for Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States.It is part of the New York Times Regional Media Group.- History :...
: Area newspaper - G TV Local Online TV Network
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 12,968 people, 5,304 households, and 3,336 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,649.7 people per square mile (637.0/km²). There were 5,765 housing units at an average density of 733.4 per square mile (283.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 50.48% White, 47.19% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.99% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population.
There were 5,304 households out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.1% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 21.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 82.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,480, and the median income for a family was $38,449. Males had a median income of $30,145 versus $22,167 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $17,755. About 13.3% of families and 26.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.2% of those under age 18 and 18.0% of those age 65 or over.
Government
- Mayor: Henry Jolly
- City Council Members:
- Wayne Ramsey (District 1)
- Thomas R. Reid (District 2)
- S. Bernard Smith (District 3)
- Dennis Ramsey (District 4)
- Boone Peeler (District 5)
- Billy Love (District 6)
Transportation
The Upstate region is served by two airports. Greenville-Spartanburg International AirportGreenville-Spartanburg International Airport
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport , also known as GSP International Airport or Roger Milliken Field, is a public airport located in unincorporated Greenville and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina, United States, 3 miles south of central Greer; the airport serves Greenville and...
, also known as GSP International Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International (CLT).
Recent studies have proved that an airport is strongly needed in the county. Cherokee County is the only county in South Carolina without an airport. Requests are now being made to the federal government to support the construction of the new airport. Studies are also determining where the airport, if built, should be built.
Gaffney is located on the Interstate 85
Interstate 85
Interstate 85 is a major interstate highway in the Southeastern United States. Its current southern terminus is at an interchange with Interstate 65 in Montgomery, Alabama; its northern terminus interchanges with Interstate 95 in Petersburg, Virginia, near Richmond...
corridor, linking it to Atlanta and Charlotte
CHARLOTTE
- CHARLOTTE :CHARLOTTE is an American blues-based hard rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1986. Currently, they are signed to indie label, Eonian Records, under which they released their debut cd, Medusa Groove, in 2010. Notable Charlotte songs include 'Siren', 'Little Devils',...
, and Interstate 26
Interstate 26
Interstate 26 is a nominally east–west main route of the Interstate Highway System in the Southeastern United States. I-26 runs from the junction of U.S. Route 11W and U.S. Route 23 in Kingsport, Tennessee, generally southeastward to U.S. Route 17 in Charleston, South Carolina...
, which is in nearby Spartanburg, linking Gaffney to Asheville and the Mid-Atlantic.
Public transit is available through the Gaffney Cab Company for a relatively low fare.
Travellers know Gaffney from the Peachoid
Peachoid
The Peachoid is a four-story water tower in Gaffney, South Carolina, United States, that resembles a peach. The water tower holds one million gallons of water and is located on Interstate 85 between exits 90 and 92...
Peach water tower making note that Gaffney is the peach capital of South Carolina, located along Interstate 85
Interstate 85
Interstate 85 is a major interstate highway in the Southeastern United States. Its current southern terminus is at an interchange with Interstate 65 in Montgomery, Alabama; its northern terminus interchanges with Interstate 95 in Petersburg, Virginia, near Richmond...
. The Peachoid is a water tower shaped like a peach which some think as an erotic sculpture upon first view. It serves both artistic and practical functions.
Schools
Gaffney is served by the Cherokee County School District, which is one unified school district.- Colleges & universities
- Limestone CollegeLimestone CollegeLimestone College is a private four-year, coeducational liberal-arts college located in Gaffney, South Carolina. Limestone College is a Christian non-denominational college. Its programs lead to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Social Work, Associate of Arts or Associate of...
- Spartanburg Community CollegeSpartanburg Community CollegeSpartanburg Community College , is a public, suburban, two-year comprehensive, open-admission institution of higher education serving the citizens of Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties in Upstate South Carolina...
- Cherokee County Campus, including a training building and Freightliner facility
- Private elementary & secondary schools
- Heritage Christian School
- Village School of Gaffney
- Gaffney Christian Academy
- Public high schools
- Gaffney High SchoolGaffney High SchoolGaffney High School is a public high school in Gaffney, South Carolina and is part of the Cherokee County School District. It is located at 149 Twin Lake Road. The school was founded in 1924. Prior to 2000, the school was located at 805 East Frederick Street; 2½ miles away. There are currently...
The Gaffney High School football team is also well-known regionally. The program boasts 16 State Championships and alumni such as the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
' Rocky McIntosh
Rocky McIntosh
Roger A. "Rocky" McIntosh is an American football linebacker for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early life:...
and University of South Carolina
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...
All-American and Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
' Sidney Rice
Sidney Rice
-Minnesota Vikings :Rice was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four year contract with the Vikings in 2007....
. In the 2005-2006 school year the school was chosen as Palmetto's Finest, the highest honor for high schools in the state. The school has succeeded greatly in increasing test scores across the board and increasing the graduation rate.
The 1940 census stated that there were 9327 people in Gaffney.
Notable people from Gaffney
Notable figures who were born in, lived in, or are otherwise associated with Gaffney.- W.J. Cash, author
- Kertus DavisKertus DavisKertus Davis is a NASCAR driver. He is currently the competition director for JD Motorsports.- Prior to NASCAR/USAR :...
, NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver - Robert E. HallRobert E. HallRobert E. Hall was sworn in as the eleventh Sergeant Major of the Army on October 21, 1997 and served until June 23, 2000.-Biography:Hall was born in Gaffney, South Carolina, on May 31, 1947. He entered the Army in February 1968 and attended Basic Training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and...
, Eleventh Sergeant Major of the Army, Oct 21, 1997 - June 23, 2000 - Andie MacDowellAndie MacDowellRosalie Anderson "Andie" MacDowell is an American model and actress. She has received the Golden Camera and an Honorary César.-Early life:...
, actress - Michael McCluney, member of the band Day26Day26Day26 is an American male R&B music group formed on August 26, 2007 by Sean "Diddy" Combs in a handpicked selection at the end of MTV's Making the Band 4. The group consists of Robert Curry, Brian Andrews, Willie Taylor, and Michael McCluney. The moniker is a tribute to the day when Andrews,...
- Rocky McIntoshRocky McIntoshRoger A. "Rocky" McIntosh is an American football linebacker for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early life:...
, professional football player, the Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... - Mikki MooreMikki MooreClinton Renard "Mikki" Moore is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent.-Professional career:...
, professional basketball player for the Golden State WarriorsGolden State WarriorsThe Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... - Arizona ReidArizona ReidArizona "AZ" Reid III is an American basketball player. He was the 2006-07 Big South Conference Player of the Year, 2007-08 Preseason Player of the Year, and the 2007-08 Big South Conference Player of the Year.-Family:...
, player for the Cairns TaipansCairns TaipansThe Cairns Taipans are an Australian professional basketball team competing in the Australasian National Basketball League. The club is based in the northern Queensland city of Cairns. The Taipans, named after a species of venomous snake native to Australia, entered the NBL in the 1999/2000 season...
, Australian National Basketball League - Sidney RiceSidney Rice-Minnesota Vikings :Rice was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a four year contract with the Vikings in 2007....
, professional football player, the Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... - Dominique StevensonDominique StevensonAntone Dominique Stevenson is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Tennessee and was drafted in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft....
, former football player for the Tennessee VolunteersTennessee VolunteersThe Tennessee Volunteers and Lady Volunteers are the National Collegiate Athletic Association college sports teams at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mike Hamilton is the most recent Men's Athletic Director, but resigned on June 7, 2011, and Joan Cronan is the current Women's...
and the Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Robert K. Hardy, professional football player, for the Tampa Bay BuccaneersTampa Bay BuccaneersThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
1991 (daughters: Cara & Sabrina Hardy. Wife:Teresa Hardy)
Spree killings of 2009
The city of Gaffney and surrounding Cherokee County came into the national spotlight during the summer of 2009 when a spree killerSpree killer
A spree killer is someone who embarks on a murderous assault on two or more victims in a short time in multiple locations. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics defines a spree killing as "killings at two or more locations with almost no time break between murders."-Definition:According to the...
began killing residents of the rural town.
The first victim, a prominent peach farmer from western Cherokee County, was killed on June 27. On July 1, the killer was responsible for the death of an 83-year-old woman and her 50-year-old daughter. The two were found bound and shot to death in the elder woman's home near Gaffney. On July 2, 46-year-old Stephen Tyler was shot and killed in his appliance and furniture store; his teenage daughter, Abby, was critically wounded; she died of her injuries two days later.
The news spread quickly from the local newspaper to national and international media outlets including CNN
CNN
Cable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
, ABC News
ABC News
ABC News is the news gathering and broadcasting division of American broadcast television network ABC, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company...
, The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal is an American English-language international daily newspaper. It is published in New York City by Dow Jones & Company, a division of News Corporation, along with the Asian and European editions of the Journal....
, and the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
.
On July 6, police responding to an emergency call of a burglary in progress in Gaston County, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
shot and killed a suspect who drew a gun on them, injuring one officer. Ballistic tests and checks on the suspect's SUV indicated this to be the wanted killer, later identified as Patrick Tracy Burris.
External links
- City of Gaffney Visitors Center
- City of Gaffney Government
- Gaffney Police Department
- Cherokee County History & Arts Museum
- Cherokee County Historical & Preservation Society
- Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
- Cherokee County School District
- Upstate Carolina Medical Center
- Gaffney Downtown Business Assoc.
- G TV'S Official Youtube Page