What’s orange and can be spotted miles away on I-85?
We’ll give you a hint: it’s a fruit.
If you live in South Carolina, the answer to this question is a no brainer. Gaffney’s 135-foot-tall peachoid water tower has caused many drivers to turn their heads during their commute in and out of the state. Those who haven’t seen it yet can count on the sight being one not easily forgotten.
Thanks to the giant peach, the town of Gaffney was recently listed among World Atlas’ six most eccentric towns in S.C. Here’s what the website had to say about Gaffney, and what other towns made the wacky list.
At the Peachoid water tower in Gaffney, S.C. on Jan. 2, 2007, workers use scrubbers to clean the outside of the tank.
What did World Atlas say about Gaffney?
Gaffney, located in Cherokee County, is known as the “Peach Capital of S.C.” In 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population to be around 12,484 people.
In its eccentric towns list, World Atlas mentioned the peachoid landmark, which was constructed in 1981. The water tower can hold up to 1 million gallons of water and is “worth stopping to see its realistic design, which even includes a leaf and stem.” Netflix’s “House of Cards” series also featured the roadside attraction in Season 1, Episode 3.
And if you think the fruit fun ends with the peachoid, you are mistaken. Things get pretty peachy at Gaffney’s S.C. Peach Festival, which is hosted by the town every July, peach eating and live music abound. Those who want to visit the town without getting in on the peach craze can explore Gaffney’s history at the Cherokee County Museum, as recommended by World Atlas.
“Located in a former post office built in 1914, this impressive attraction features exhibits on Native American heritage, Revolutionary War battles, and the region’s textile industry.” said World Atlas.
Why is the Gaffney water tower shaped like a peach?
According to the Society of Architectural Historians, the Gaffney water tower is shaped like a peach to symbolize S.C.’s position as the country’s leading peach-producing state. The idea was originated in 1974-1975 by the Gaffney Board of Public Works, which was looking for the right landmark to represent the eastern end of the S.C. Scenic Highway 11. The structure would need to hold a symbolic (or advertising) value while also serving a purpose, and at the time, the town was in great need of a water tower. Federal funding was secured to advance the project, and in October 1979, the Board of Public Works enlisted the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company to build the tower.
World Atlas’ 6 most eccentric towns in SC
∎ Bowman
∎ Bishopville
∎ Ridgeway
∎ Yemassee
∎ Gaffney
∎ Camden
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: 6 most eccentric towns in SC: Gaffney recognized by WorldAtlas