Gaffney's Old Field

Front: Much of the land in this area once belonged to Michael Gaffney, proprietor of Gaffney’s Crossroads. The area also served as a militia encampment for many years with the company reporting for duty in Charleston during the war of 1812. The development of nearby Limestone Springs as a resort attraction resulted in increased tourism and Michael Gaffney allowed for the construction of a horse track here in his old field, as it was known locally. Reverse: The Gaffney Male and Female Seminary moved into a new building at this site in 1887. In 1898, the seminary became the local high school. Central High School became Central Graded School when a new Gaffney High School building was opened in 1925. The current building replaced the original school in 1958. It remained in use as Central Elementary School until 1999. Today, the building is home to the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum.