Fairfield Institute

One block west of this marker, on S. Vanderhorst St., is the site of Fairfield Institute, a grade school and normal institute (or teacher’s college) founded in 1869 by the Northern Presbyterian Church. It closed in 1888 to merge with Brainerd Institute in Chester, SC. Its most prominent alumnus was Kelly Miller (1863-1939), one of the foremost black intellectuals of the early 20th century. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Howard University, studied advanced mathematics at Johns Hopkins, and served for many years as professor and dean at Howard. He was a founding member of the American Negro Academy and a prolific author of articles, essays, and books.

KEYWORDS: PRESBYTERIAN, BRAINERD, KELLY MILLER, WINNSBORO, FAIRFIELD COUNTY