46-460: Lake Wateree State Park is a state park located in Winnsboro, South Carolina . The state park is located on Desportes Island on Lake Wateree , 17 miles from Winnsboro, SC and 14 miles from Ridgeway, SC. The 283-acre (1.15 km) site was acquired by the state in 1984 and offers 100 camping sites, picnic pads, an on-site tackle shop with boat refueling, and a 2-mile-long nature trail. The park offers
92-593: A branch of the Fairfield County Library. Winnsboro is served by the Fairfield County Public School system. Currently, Fairfield County schools hold a ranking C+, based on the most recent ratings. The school district has 2,414 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1. According to state test scores, 25.1% of students are at least proficient in math and 31% in reading. The district on-time graduation rate, according to
138-428: A face-to-face confrontation between the victim and the perpetrator, including homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. According to CrimeGrade.org, Fairfield County is listed as D+ on an A-F grading scale. This means that the rate of crime is higher than the average US county. Fairfield County is in the 29th percentile for safety, meaning 71% of counties are safer and 29% of counties are more dangerous. Based on
184-427: A family was $ 40,849. Males had a median income of $ 39,837 versus $ 28,695 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 18,877. About 15.8% of families and 22.7% of the population were below the poverty line , including 29.7% of those under age 18 and 20.7% of those age 65 or over. At the 2000 census , there were 23,454 people, 8,774 households, and 6,387 families living in the county. The population density
230-567: A household in the town was $ 25,094, and the median income for a family was $ 29,550. Males had a median income of $ 29,275 versus $ 18,925 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 14,135. About 23.6% of families and 24.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 33.9% of those under age 18 and 14.1% of those age 65 or over. The Mayor of Winnsboro is John McMeekin. Town Council Members: Danny Miller - District #1, Janice Bartell-Prather - District #2, Demetrius Chatman - District #3, Jae Burroughs - District #4. The Town Manager
276-569: A market house that "shall not be of greater width than 30 feet (9.1 m)" to allow 30 feet (9.1 m) of wagon travel on either side. The narrow building was modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia and built on the site of a duck pond. A clock was added in 1837, and the building has since been known as the Town Clock. The County Courthouse, across from the Town Clock, dates back to 1823. Designed by South Carolina architect Robert Mills,
322-472: Is $ 40,553. The poverty rate is 31.86%. The median rental cost is $ 734 per month, and the median home value is $ 116,000. Fairfield County, South Carolina Fairfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina . As of the 2020 census , its population was 20,948. Its county seat is Winnsboro . Fairfield County is part of the Columbia , SC Metropolitan Statistical Area . It
368-503: Is Jason Taylor. Fairfield Institute, a school for African Americans run by a missionary from New Jersey was in Winnsboro from 1869 to 1888 when it closed and merged with Brainerd Institute in Chester, South Carolina. Its principal, Rev. Willard Richardson returned to New Jersey with his family. Joseph Winthrop Holley and Kelly Miller attended the school. Winnsboro has a public library ,
414-543: 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. 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
460-585: Is home to the Lake Wateree State Recreation Area . As of the 2020 census , there were 20,948 people, 9,191 households, and 5,921 families residing in the county. At the 2010 census , there were 23,956 people, 9,419 households, and 6,578 families living in the county. The population density was 34.9 inhabitants per square mile (13.5 inhabitants/km ). There were 11,681 housing units at an average density of 17.0 units per square mile (6.6 units/km ). The racial makeup of
506-528: The Archaic period , about 1500 BC. Blair Mound is a nearby archeological site and earthwork likely occupied 1300-1400 AD, as part of the late Mississippian culture in the region. Several years before the Revolutionary War , Richard Winn from Virginia moved to what is now Fairfield County in the upland or Piedmont area of South Carolina. His lands included the present site of Winnsboro. As early as 1777,
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#1732868772490552-528: The Black Belt . The increased demand for slave labor resulted in the forced migration of more than one million African-American slaves into the area through sales in the domestic slave market. By the time of the Civil War , the county's population was majority black and majority slave. Textile mills were constructed in the area beginning in the late 19th century, and originally only whites were allowed to work in
598-709: The Winnsboro Historic District . Though not listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Winnsboro Town Clock built in 1837 is the oldest continuously running clock in the United States. Winnsboro is located east of the center of Fairfield County at 34°22′37″N 81°5′17″W / 34.37694°N 81.08806°W / 34.37694; -81.08806 (34.377069, -81.087959). U.S. Route 321 and South Carolina Highway 34 bypass
644-554: The 20th century through the 1940s, millions of African Americans left the rural South in the Great Migration to northern and midwestern cities for other job opportunities and the chance to escape Jim Crow restrictions. In December 1832, Winnsboro was incorporated as a town to be governed by an intendant and wardens. The most prominent architectural feature of Fairfield County is the Town Clock in Winnsboro. South Carolina's General Assembly authorized Winnsboro's town fathers to build
690-827: The Ku Klux Klan from disrupting voting. Granite deposits in the County led to the early development of quarrying. Winnsboro blue granite, "The Silk of the Trade," is used worldwide in buildings and monuments. The county was home to the Carolinas–Virginia Tube Reactor during the 1960s. In 1984 the Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Generating Station was built here. The county owns the Fairfield County Airport , in operation since 1975. The Ridgeway gold mine , east of Ridgeway ,
736-602: The South Carolina Department of Education School Report Card, is 78.1%, while the South Carolina state average is 83.3%. For Fiscal Year 2021-2022, the revenue per pupil (student) is $ 25,790, which is the highest in the state of South Carolina. Based on data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Winnsboro is ranked 87% higher than the national average for violent crime, 26% higher than
782-407: The age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 21.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.2% were non-families, and 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.01. The median age was 42.4 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 32,022 and the median income for
828-428: The age of 18 living with them, 47.90% were married couples living together, 20.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.20% were non-families. 24.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.12. In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.10% under
874-468: The age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 27.80% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 13.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.80 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 30,376, and the median income for a family was $ 35,943. Males had a median income of $ 29,033 versus $ 21,197 for females. The per capita income for
920-627: The annual Creepy Campout, typically held the last Saturday in October in celebration of Halloween, and the annual Easter event, held the Saturday before Easter. The park was formerly known as Lake Wateree State Recreation Area. This South Carolina state location article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Winnsboro, South Carolina Winnsboro is a town in Fairfield County, South Carolina , United States. The population
966-1186: The ballads by modernist composer/pianist Frederic Rzewski in his Four North American Ballads for solo piano, completed in 1979. Places listed on the National Register of Historic Places for Winnsboro range from an Archaic period archeological site, to structures and districts spanning the European-American/African-American history of the city, as in the following list: Albion , Balwearie , Blair Mound , Dr. Walter Brice House and Office , Concord Presbyterian Church , Furman Institution Faculty Residence , Hunstanton , Ketchin Building , Bob Lemmon House , Liberty Universalist Church and Feasterville Academy Historic District , McMeekin Rock Shelter , Mount Olivet Presbyterian Church , New Hope A.R.P. Church and Session House , Old Stone House , Rockton and Rion Railroad Historic District , Rural Point , Shivar Springs Bottling Company Cisterns , The Oaks , Tocaland , White Oak Historic District , and
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#17328687724901012-488: The county was $ 14,911. About 17.20% of families and 19.60% of the population were below the poverty line , including 24.70% of those under age 18 and 24.10% of those age 65 or over. In 2022, the GDP of Fairfield County was $ 1.4 billion (about $ 67,980 per capita). In chained 2017 dollars , the real GDP was $ 1.1 billion (about $ 54,254 per capita). Between 2022-2024, the unemployment rate has fluctuated between 2.9-5.7%. Some of
1058-417: The county was 59.1% black or African American, 38.6% white, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 0.8% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.6% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 18.0% were American , 6.0% were English , 5.4% were Irish , 5.3% were Subsaharan African , and 5.0% were German . Of the 9,419 households, 32.5% had children under
1104-511: The county were eligible to vote and 2,434 African-Americans who were eligible to vote. In the election held under these circumstances an African-American man, George Barber, was elected to represent Fairfield County in the South Carolina State Senate. In the same election the county elected three people to the South Carolina state house of representatives. Henry Jacob and Henry Johnson, who were African-Americans and L.W. Duvall who
1150-552: The courthouse houses records dating to the mid-18th century. During Reconstruction, the Fairfield District was changed into Fairfield County and was occupied by Union troops. The South Carolina state constitution of 1868 was such that those who fought for the confederacy were barred from voting in the 1868 elections. As a result, most eligible voters in Fairfield County were African-American. In 1868 there were 942 whites in
1196-574: The free Tackle Loaner Program, coordinated by SCDNR , and kayak rentals. Both of these can be done at the park's tackle shop. Also available are a playground, a swing set, disc golf goals, a soccer field, five picnic pads (four of which are reservable, two ADA-compliant), and three lake-front swings. There are many different species of wildlife you may encounter on your visit. The most common are eastern gray squirrel , whitetail deer , bald eagle , osprey , and various freshwater fish ( Blue catfish , largemouth bass , striped bass , and black crappie are
1242-429: The interior of the campground loop. Taylor Creek, the newest of the two campgrounds, was opened in 2020. It boasts the remaining 28 sites (73-100), and offers 20-amp, 30-amp, and 50-amp electrical service, water supply, and sewer connections. There is one restroom facility located in the campground. The park hosts a few programs throughout the year, from guided hikes to educational programs. The two biggest programs are
1288-432: The largest employers in the county include BOMAG , Dominion Energy , Element Electronics , Food Lion , the town of Winnsboro , and Universal Protection Service . Fairfield County's violent crime rate is 629, as compared to the South Carolina average of 521 and the top performing states at 62. The measure is the number of violent crimes reported per 100,000 population. Violent crimes are defined as offenses that involve
1334-453: The mid-18th century brought cotton to the county. It was soon supported as a commodity crop by the labor of enslaved African Americans. Invention of the cotton gin enabled the cultivation of short-staple cotton through the upcountry regions of the South. It was the chief commodity crop for this county from the early 19th century through the 1920s. In the antebellum era, most of the intensive labor
1380-411: The mills. "Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues", an industrial folk song of the 1930s with lyrics typical of the blues , refers to working in a cotton mill in this city. The song arose after the textile mill had been converted to a tire manufacturing plant, reflecting the widespread expansion of the auto industry. The song has been sung by Lead Belly , Pete Seeger , and other artists. It was the basis of one of
1426-461: The most common catch). The park's 100 campsites are divided between their two campgrounds- Riverside and Taylor Creek. Riverside, the original campground built in 1984 with the rest of the park, offers 72 sites (1-72) with 14 of them on the waterfront. This campground offers 20-amp and 30-amp electrical service, water hookup, along with a dump station outside of the campground for your black and grey waste. There are two restroom facilities located in
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1472-730: The most famous church, built in 1788, is the Old Brick Church , where the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Synod of the Carolinas was organized in 1803. A note penciled on the wall of the Old Brick Church is testimony to a Union soldier's regret at the church's floor boards being taken up to build a crossing over the nearby river for General Sherman's troops during the American Civil War. The early settlers in
1518-435: The national average for property crime, and 36% higher than the national average for total crime. The rate of crime in Winnsboro is 39.24 per 1,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of crime in Winnsboro may be as high as 1 in 17 in the central neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 40 in the west part of the city. A crime occurs every 20 hours and 53 minutes (on average) in Winnsboro. The average household income in Winnsboro
1564-508: The rank of colonel. See Fairfield County, South Carolina , for more. The area was developed for the cultivation of short-staple cotton after Eli Whitney 's invention of the cotton gin in 1793, which made processing of this type of cotton profitable. Previously it was considered too labor-intensive. Short-staple cotton was widely cultivated on plantations in upland areas throughout the Deep South , through an interior area that became known as
1610-521: The settlement was known as "Winnsborough" since he was the major landowner. His brothers John and Minor Winn joined him there, adding to family founders. The village was laid out and chartered in 1785 upon petition of Richard and John Winn, and John Vanderhorst. The brothers Richard, John and Minor Winn all served in the Revolutionary War. Richard became a general, and was said to have fought in more battles than any Whig in South Carolina. John gained
1656-424: 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 patriot in South Carolina. Fairfield County has numerous churches, some of which have existed for over 200 years. Perhaps
1702-470: The south side of Winnsboro. According to the United States Census Bureau , the town of Winnsboro has a total area of 3.2 square miles (8.4 km ), all land. As of the 2020 United States census , there were 3,215 people, 1,329 households, and 878 families residing in the town. As of the 2010 United States Census , there were 3,550 people, 1,497 households, and 931 families residing in
1748-424: The town on the west side. US 321 Business passes through the center of town on Congress Street. US 321 leads north 25 miles (40 km) to Chester and south 28 miles (45 km) to Columbia . SC 34 leads southeast 11 miles (18 km) to Ridgeway and west 36 miles (58 km) to Newberry . SC 200 leads northeast 19 miles (31 km) to Great Falls . The unincorporated community of Winnsboro Mills borders
1794-519: The town was 40.29% White , 58.46% African American , 0.31% Asian , 0.33% from other races , and 0.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.31% of the population. There were 1,454 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.7% were married couples living together, 25.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.0% had someone living alone who
1840-546: The town. The racial makeup of the town was 60.3% African American , 36.1% White , 0.2% Native American , 0.3% Asian , 0.1% from other races , and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population. As of the census of 2000, there were 3,564 people, 1,454 households, and 984 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,109.6 inhabitants per square mile (428.4/km ). There were 1,597 housing units at an average density of 492.4 per square mile (190.1/km ). The racial makeup of
1886-490: Was 3,550 at the 2010 census . The population was 3,215 at the 2020 census , a population decrease of approximately 9.5% for the same 10 year period. It is the county seat of Fairfield County. Winnsboro is part of the Columbia, South Carolina metropolitan Area as well as a suburb of Columbia . Based on archeological evidence, this area of the Piedmont was occupied by various cultures of indigenous peoples from as early as
Lake Wateree State Park - Misplaced Pages Continue
1932-480: Was 34 people per square mile (13 people/km ). There were 10,383 housing units at an average density of 15 units per square mile (5.8 units/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 59.09% Black or African American , 39.58% White , 0.19% Asian , 0.15% Native American , 0.44% from other races , and 0.55% from two or more races. 1.07% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 8,774 households, out of which 32.40% had children under
1978-449: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.04. In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.1 males. The median income for
2024-464: Was accomplished by African-American slaves, many of whose descendants still live in this rural area. After the Civil War, many African Americans initially worked as sharecroppers and tenant farmers. Over time the soil became depleted, but more damaging was infestation in the 20th century by the boll weevil . Together with the mechanization of agriculture, the need for labor was reduced. In the first half of
2070-528: Was in operation from 1988 to 1999. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 709.87 square miles (1,838.6 km ), of which 686.31 square miles (1,777.5 km ) is land and 23.56 square miles (61.0 km ) (3.32%) is water. The Enoree Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest provides opportunities for outdoor recreation. The county has an abundance of deer and wild turkeys, making it an attraction for hunters. It
2116-487: Was white. This was considered revolutionary at the time and those who had previously been slave owners were extremely angry. Due to how much social spending the Reconstruction government engaged in, by the end of 1870 Fairfield County was one of only two counties in the state that was not in debt. During the presidential election of 1872, there were three companies of U.S. troops stationed in Fairfield County to prevent
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