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Winnsboro History | Cornwallis House
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. |
