Fairfield and much of its surrounding township, Alexander, is now covered by water, as part of the Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir.

One of the earliest residents of Fairfield was Judge George T. Alexander, a pioneer in Missouri since 1816, who built the town's covered bridge,[3] and operated its mill.

[4] He obtained a ferry license for the Pomme de Terre River at that spot in 1836 and was elected as a county judge.

There also was an old country church on the north end of town and a bait shop in the center of town with a walkway to the banks of the river bank and the docks that provided john boat rentals.

There was a small local country store with food, hardware and clothing, as well as a gasoline station with a repair garage.