FAIRFIELD COUNTY
County Offices
350 Columbia Road
Winnsboro 803-815-4002
www.fairfieldsc.com
Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 297
Winnsboro 803-635-4242
http://fairfieldchamber.sc
Major Highways
Interstate 77, SC 34, US highways 321 and 21, 200
Known for its favorable tax base and opportunities for growth and development, Fairfield County combines open space with industrial development, historic sites, and residential communities.
Services
Newcomers can look forward to easy access to quality educational services and facilities that are anchored by the Fairfield County School System. This educational district includes child development centers; schools for primary, elementary, intermediate, middle, and high-school levels; and an active career center. Parents are encouraged to participate in the educational process through volunteerism and the ROAR initiative, Reach Out and Read. Through this program, each child begins schools with a home library of at least 10 beautiful children’s books, making literacy part of pediatric primary care. Pediatricians encourage parents to read out loud to their children and give their patients books to take home after all well-child checkups.
The Richard Winn Academy provides a private-school alternative close to home, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grades. Opportunities for higher education within a 40-minute drive from the county include campuses for the University of South Carolina in Aiken and Lancaster as well as Benedict College, Allen University, Columbia Bible College, Columbia College, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Newberry College, and several business colleges in nearby Columbia.
Residents of Fairfield County have the assurance of advanced healthcare services close to home at Fairfield Memorial Hospital, a 50-bed community hospital in Winnsboro. For nearly half a century, Fairfield Memorial Hospital has been serving the healthcare needs of Fairfield County in partnership with skilled physicians and other regional healthcare providers. Among the specialized services offered by the hospital are 24-hour emergency care, a full-service clinical laboratory, a modern surgical department, and education or counseling for diabetes patients.
Lifestyle
Ideally situated along Interstate 77 between the South Carolina capital city of Columbia and Charlotte, North Carolina, Fairfield County features Lake Wateree on its eastern side and Lake Monticello on the western side. These bodies of water combine to offer more than 20,000 surface acres for fishing, boating, and wildlife habitat. With its mild climate and panoramic terrain, Fairfield County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Close to home, community sports leagues and lush local parks provide an array of activities that appeal to residents of every age and interest. The heavily wooded countryside is filled with wildlife that includes deer, turkey, and smaller game for nature study or seasonal hunting. Regional lakes and ponds are alive with bass, striper, crappie, and catfish.
As one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the Southeast, Lake Wateree is distinguished as one of the state’s premier fishing and boating sites. The state park situated at the northern end of the lake is a magnet for picnickers and campers. Numerous other lakes and Sumter National Forest are also hubs of activity for sports lovers. Fairfield County’s centralized location in South Carolina offers easy access to collegiate and professional sports events as well as the cultural events in Columbia and Charlotte, North Carolina. From Winnsboro and Fairfield County, beach and mountain vacation getaways are less than a three-hour drive.
Steeped in historic significance, Fairfield County is nestled in the Old English District of South Carolina. The streets of Winnsboro and Ridgeway showcase homes that were built prior to the Revolutionary War. Residents and visitors can stroll through such celebrated sites as the place where General Cornwallis spent his “winter of discontent.” They can also visit the museum, browse through the shops, dine in charming restaurants, or ride the train at the South Carolina Railroad Museum. Fairfield County has prospered in part through the activities and efforts of dedicated individuals and active organizations, from cultural groups to the historical society or the downtown development association in Winnsboro. With its economic potential, ideal location, small-town atmosphere, and close-knit community spirit, Fairfield County is a home for all reasons.
Ridgeway
Municipal Offices
803-337-2213
www.ridgewaysc.org
Chamber of Commerce
803-635-4242
http://fairfieldchamber.sc
The small historic town of Ridgeway is included in the famous “Old English District,” attracting visitors to a quaint and picturesque setting nestled in the South Carolina Midlands. Collectibles, fine antiques, lively auctions, and unique dining experiences are just a few of the magnets to this rural residential haven. In addition to amenities like the Ridgeway Public Library and quality educational opportunities, the town celebrates its rich heritage throughout the year in colorful celebrations that include street dances, craft festivals, and seasonal parades. Recreational opportunities close to home range from camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, hunting, and water sports to playing golf and tennis at premier facilities.
Winnsboro
Municipal Offices
803-635-4041
www.townofwinnsboro.com
Chamber of Commerce
803-635-4242
http://fairfieldchamber.sc
Often celebrated as the “Charleston of the Upcountry,” the community of Winnsboro is distinguished by its legacy of historic and architecturally interesting homes and buildings. The town’s entire central core is included on the National Register of Historic Places, and the county courthouse dates back to 1823. The 1830 federal-style building that houses the Fairfield County Historical Museum is a three-story brick structure with pine floors and hand-carved woodwork that displays period furniture and artifacts. The famous Town Clock was originally a market house in the center of Washington Street, boasting the status of the nation’s longest continuously running clock. As part of the famous “Olde English District” named for its role as the heart of the British empire in the colonies, this region is steeped in history and panoramic natural beauty. The countryside is known for its “pines, ponds and pastures” and serene country setting.
