With three nationally certified historic districts, Gaffney, SC continues to honor and preserve its rich history. Located near Cowpens National Battlefield and a short drive from Kings Mountain National Military Park, Gaffney’s Revolutionary War legacy continues to attract visitors looking to learn more about the two major battles that turned the tide for American independence.
It was at Kings Mountain on Oct. 7, 1780, that patriot forces enjoyed their first pivotal victory of the Southern Campaign. A few months later, an army of Continentals and backwoods militia soundly whipped the much-vilified British general Banastre Tarleton in Cowpens, setting forth a chain of events that would lead to the defeat and surrender of the British at Yorktown.
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail is another one of Gaffney’s Revolutionary War attractions. The 330-mile commemorative motor route, which traces the path used by patriot militia during the Kings Mountain campaign, runs through the town, ending at the military park.
Later, as the settlement flourished, a health resort was built near the Limestone Springs. The 1835 hotel was later converted into a college for women and now houses the administrative offices of Limestone University. Nine classically inspired buildings on the college campus make up the Limestone Springs Historic District.
The third historic district encompasses an 18-block residential neighborhood featuring stately homes constructed during the boom period at the turn of the century.