Fairfield Institute was a school for African Americans in Winnsboro, South Carolina in Fairfield County, South Carolina. Kelly Miller attended the school.[1] It opened in 1869. Rev. Willard Richardson served as principal. It was closed and sold as part of a consolidation with nearby Brainerd Institute in Chester, South Carolina in 1888.[2]Joseph Winthrop Holley attended the school, originally known as Willard Richardson School, until Richardson and his family returned to New Jersey.[3] The school’s enrollment reached about 100.[4]
Supported by the Presbyterian Church,[5][6] the school was succeeded by a school established by Rev. J. C. Watkins.[3]
Enrollment reached 354 students.[7] Brainerd Institute was within 20 miles.[8]
The school trained teachers and "workers for Africa"[6] to go on missions.[9] Richardson was also in charge of several churches.[10] It was a religious school and agricultural pursuits were taught.[11]