The CORNWALLIS HOUSE is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Winnsboro. By whom it was built or to whom it originally belonged cannot be ascertained. However, it is known that it is one of the buildings that was occupied by the British when Lord Cornwallis established his headquarters in Winnsboro. It is a locally accepted fact that this is the house in which the famous general resided during the occupation.
The house is built on a lot shaded with large old trees. The original portion of the house was built on the ground level and was two stories high. A wing and the third floor were later additions. This older portion of the house is enclosed with massive masonry walls and partitions that are coated with a hard plaster. The timber used in the framing is all oversized, and it is joined with mortises and pegs. The few nails used in its construction are hand-made. Inside stairs lead from the basement floor to the two floors above. Outside steps lead from the yard to the second-story porch. The first and second story porches are supported by columns. The lower porch is open but the upper piazza is enclosed with beautifully turned wooden bannisters.All records of Fairfield prior to 1785 were kept in Camden District. Some of the Camden records were either lost or destroyed during, the War Between the States so that now it is extremely difficult to go back any further. The first official record of this house is in 1797. At that time William McMorries, sheriff of Fairfield, deeded the place to Captain John Buchanan. This was the result of a Court action vs. Minor Winn, 17C34, by Hugh Milling and Alexander Caldwell, executors of the estate of Alexander Millar, to recover a debt owed Alexander Millar. The judgment granted forty-two pounds sterling, plus expenses of two pounds, five shillings and six pence. The lots (including this house) were sold at public auction, and Captain John Buchanan was the highest bidder.
Captain Buchanan and his wife later resided here. Captain Buchanan was a distinguished soldier of the Revolution and a leading citizen of Fairfield. He was one of the first Americans to greet General de la Fayette when he arrived to assist in the struggle for American independence. Captain Buchanan and the French general became close friends, and Buchanan gave him one of his servants, a man named Fortune, to serve him during the war. After the Revolution, when la Fayette visited in this country he saw the Captain and Fortune again while he was in Columbia.
Captain John Buchanan owned much property in the town and throughout the county. Among his holdings was a tavern that was located on Congress Street almost directly behind this house. In 1907 he conveyed the tavern and some lots to his brother, Creighton Buchanan, but reserved the use of the well that was located on one of the lots for his use.
