Fairfield is the seat of Freestone County, and is south of Dallas between Corsicana and Buffalo, where I-45, US 84 and Hwy 75 converge near Fairfield Lake.
In 1951 the town held its centennial celebration on the old Confederate soldiers' reunion campground, which led to an annual rodeo-homecoming festival and county fair held each November. Other annual events include the Queen of the Trinity Star Pilgrimage in the spring, the National Coon Hunters' Association meeting in the fall, and an arts and crafts fair in November.
Local attractions and recreation facilities include the Freestone County Historical Museum (in Fairfield), and Fairfield Lake State Park (completed in 1972).
In 1989 industries in Fairfield included TU Electric, Dow Chemical, TXO Production Corporation, and Texas Utilities Mining Company. Major sources of income were oil, gas, and coal mining, as well as agribusiness.
The population in 1990 was 3,234.