Fairplay, one of the older communities in Morgan County, appears on county maps as early as 1839. Although no railroad line ran through the community, it seems to have developed along an old post road. Post office records from the 1880s identify Fairplay as a village of about 40 inhabitants. Along with a store and post office, the community had a cotton gin that served nearby farmers. Prospect Church and Prospect School, also known as Fairplay School, stand near the original store site and were still recognized at the beginning of the 21st century. North of Fairplay, a second crossroads community grew around Malcom’s Store and Rock Springs Primitive Baptist Church, whose congregation was established as early as 1840 according to published accounts. West of Fairplay, Chestnut Grove Church and school served the African American community in that area. Fairplay remains a significant part of Morgan County history.