Fairfield County /

Fairfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 23,454. The 2005 census estimate placed the population at 24,047. Its county seat is Winnsboro. Fairfield County is part of the Columbia, South Carolina, Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is alleged that the county name originated from a statement made by General Cornwallis when he declared "How Fair These Fields" during the British occupation of the area in 1780-81. The house Cornwallis stayed in during the occupation is still standing and has been continuously used as a residence since that time. Several years before the Revolution, Richard Winn from Virginia moved to what is now called Fairfield County. His lands covered the present site of Winnsboro, and as early as 1777 the settlement was known as "Winnsborough". The village was laid out and chartered in 1785 upon petition of Richard Winn, John Winn and John Vanderhorst. John, Richard, and Minor Winn all served in the Revolutionary War. Richard was a General and he is said to have fought in more battles than any Whig in South Carolina. John was a Colonel. In December 1832 Winnsboro was incorporated as a town to be governed by