Winnsboro Historic District
National Register Listing
Street Address:
Roughly bounded by Gooding, Buchanan, Garden, and Fairfield Sts., Winnsboro, SC (Fairfield County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817720043
Description and Narrative:
Winnsboro is significant historically, architecturally, and culturally. The town was laid out in 1785 and named for the Revolutionary War hero, Richard Winn, who served in the U.S. Congress and as SC Lieutenant Governor. Lord Cornwallis had his headquarters here in 1780. Winnsboro, the county seat, features a wide range of architectural significance, from early simple frame houses that reflect utilitarian aspects of the Scotch-Irish, the first principal settlers, to pronounced styles such as Federal and Greek Revival. There are more than 50 buildings over 100 years old, mostly residences but also including the Courthouse and the town clock. Many residences are typical upcountry frame houses, built in an L-shape with long piazzas running across the front, reflecting the increasing wealth from cotton. Homes became more pretentious in the 1840s and 1850s. Much lowcountry influence is evident in the architecture, after planters moved here for health reasons. A number of Greek Revival and Federal mansions remain. Listed in the National Register October 14, 1971.
Period of Significance:
1785
Level of Significance:
State
Area of Significance:
Politics/Government;Agriculture;Architecture;Art;Commerce;Communications;Education;Literature;Military;Religion;Social History;Performing Arts
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
October 14 1971
