In Fairfield County, historic architecture and local history sit alongside train rides, theater and outdoor activities. To plan your visit, it helps to start by choosing a focus: Would you like to explore museums and historic sites, plan a seasonal train ride, or spend time fishing and walking trails by the water?
History and Culture
The Fairfield County Museum is housed in a restored three-story townhouse, listed as a late example of Federal-style architecture. The museum displays artifacts and furnishings related to the history and prehistory of the county. Pine Tree Playhouse offers another facet of local culture: the nonprofit community theater stages classic, eclectic and new works.
In downtown Winnsboro, the Fairfield County Courthouse was built in 1823 by architect Robert Mills. The building is designed in the Greek Revival style and stands across from the Town Clock. This clock is described as the longest continuously running clock in the United States. A distinct historical milestone: in 1785, the South Carolina General Assembly approved the establishment of a public market in Winnsborough.
Camp Welfare was founded in 1878 on eleven acres in rural Winnsboro. The grounds include an African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church, a cemetery, an open-air pavilion and small homes made of concrete blocks or wood, known as “tents.” Religious and community gatherings known as “camp meetings” are held there every August.
Ridgeway also has its own historical focus. The Century House served as General Beauregard’s headquarters from February 17 to 19, 1865. The Ridgeway Historic District is considered a nearly intact example of a town around the turn of the 20th century; its development was closely tied to agricultural prosperity.
For a self-guided tour of Fairfield County, a brochure is available at the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce office in the Town Clock. Listed stops include the Courthouse, Cornwallis House, a post office with a 1930s WPA mural of Winnsboro, several historic churches and the Fairfield County Museum. Guided tours can be arranged; excursions can also be tailored to interest groups such as genealogy, rail, nature or history enthusiasts.
Rail and Outdoor Activities
The South Carolina Railroad Museum is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Blue Granite Express offers a narrated 90-minute ride through the Fairfield County countryside; the train runs seasonally on Saturdays. Check the specific operating dates if the ride is an essential part of your plans.
At Lake Wateree, you can fish from the park’s shoreline for bream, catfish, crappie and bass. The Desportes Island Trail, a moderately difficult 2.3-mile loop, is also at Lake Wateree. On the Peak to Prosperity Passage, the route crosses the Broad River on a 1,100-foot trestle; bald eagles may be seen from the bridge. The options differ not only in what they offer, but also in whether you’d rather linger by the water or cover some ground on a trail.
Carolina Adventure World is a 2,600-acre park in Fairfield County with 100 miles of professionally designed ATV trails. For a different kind of outdoor experience, there is also a treetop zipline system with guided rides on a dual cable.
Annual Events
The Wings & Wheels Air Festival is held annually in May at Fairfield County Airport. Airplane or helicopter sightseeing flights are available for a fee; on the ground, there is a display of classic aircraft and skydiving demonstrations. In November, Ridgeway hosts its annual Pig on the Ridge BBQ Cookoff, where teams from across the Southeast compete. Check the specific event dates and the Blue Granite Express’s seasonal operating dates before your trip.
History, performing arts, rail and outdoor activities offer different ways to spend your time. First choose the experiences that interest you most, then plan the rest of your visit around them.
Discover more destinations: Ridgeway, Winnsboro, Allendale, Aiken County, Saluda, Lee County, Beaufort County, Hampton County.
Go to the main travel overview: South Carolina.
