Limestone Professor, Former Undergraduate Students Have Research Published Regarding Cherokee County Historical Background

Limestone University Professor of Physical Education Dr. Felicia Cavallini and six of her former undergraduate students recently had a paper published in the Journal of City and Development.

The paper is entitled “Historical Background of Cherokee County and Its Natural Connection with Physical Activity,” and was written by Limestone alums Heather R. Burton, Emma Padgett, Ben Gahlert, Taylin O. Jean, Lauren A. Baker, and Sarah L. Johnson, as well as Cavallini.

The paper contains a historical background of Cherokee County and its role in the Revolutionary War, and then pairs that with the role that exercise can play in physical and mental health. The authors also note the importance of heritage celebrations, both for tourism and community spirit.

Prior to writing, the authors organized and planned a Heritage Celebration Day event in December of 2021, in collaboration with the City of Gaffney, to educate the public on the Battle of Cowpens, the Battle of Kings Mountain, and the Overmountain Victory Trail.

“Researching our Cherokee County history and the health benefits associated with engaging in our nationally recognized historical parks and trails along with planning for the Revolutionary War Heritage event was a tremendous learning experience for the students,” Cavallini said. “Historically, Cherokee County has so much to be proud of and it is vital we promote, market, and educate the general public about our phenomenal, unique Revolutionary War history.”  

Attendees of the “Battlefield Bash” enjoyed local bluegrass music and hot chocolate from Zackary’s Coffee Shop between presentations from the United States National Park Service representatives and Limestone Professor of History Jonathan Sarnoff.

Accompanying photo: (left to right) Abbey Baker, Dr. Felicia Cavallini, Taylin Jean, Emma Padgett, Heather Burton, Sarah Johnson, and Ben Gahlert.