Kincaid-Anderson House
Kincaid-Anderson House, also known as Fairfield, is a historic Georgian-style mansion located near Jenkinsville in Fairfield County, South Carolina. Constructed around 1774 by Captain James Kincaid, a Revolutionary War soldier who served under Generals Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter, the house stands as a testament to 18th-century architecture and innovation.
This two-story brick residence showcases Georgian architectural elements, including:
- A hipped roof and a fieldstone foundation.
- Solid brick walls approximately 16 inches thick.
- Dual chimneys servicing large fireplaces in five of the ten rooms.
- A sweeping staircase connecting wide halls.
- Small brick side wings with roof balustrades, added during a 1920s restoration.
- Terraced gardens and a serpentine wall constructed from blue granite sourced from the nearby Anderson Quarry.
Historical Significance
Captain James Kincaid was a prominent figure in the South Carolina upcountry, known for his contributions to agriculture and industry:
Early Cotton Gin Development: Kincaid is believed to have developed an early version of the cotton gin. Local legend suggests that Eli Whitney, who later patented the cotton gin in 1794, may have drawn inspiration from Kincaid’s design.
Agricultural Innovation: Kincaid introduced cotton farming to the region and promoted the tomato as a food source, challenging the prevailing belief that tomatoes were poisonous.
Religious Leadership: He played a pivotal role in establishing the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in the area, contributing to the construction of the nearby Ebenezer Church.
Later History and Restoration
After passing through the Anderson family, descendants of Kincaid’s daughter, the estate underwent significant restoration in the 1920s under the ownership of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Heyward, who renamed it “Heyward Hall.” The restoration included the addition of side wings, terraced gardens, and the conversion of outbuildings into guest accommodations. In 1974, the Kincaid-Anderson House was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and historical importance.
The Kincaid-Anderson House is situated at 7430 Landis Road, northeast of Jenkinsville, South Carolina. As a privately owned residence, it is not open to the public, but its historical significance makes it a notable landmark in Fairfield County.