Fayette County is a

county A county is a geographic region of a country used for administrative or other purposesChambers Dictionary, L. Brookes (ed.), 2005, Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd, Edinburgh in certain modern nations. The term is derived from the Old French ...

in the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania (; ( Pennsylvania Dutch: )), officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the United States. It borders Delaware to its southeast, ...

. It is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, adjacent to

Maryland Maryland ( ) is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It shares borders with Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean to ...

and

West Virginia West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian, Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States.The Census Bureau and the Association of American Geographers classify West Virginia as part of the Southern United States while the B ...

. As of the 2020 census, the population was 128,804. Its

county seat A county seat is an administrative center, seat of government, or capital city of a county or civil parish. The term is in use in Canada, China, Hungary, Romania, Taiwan, and the United States. The equivalent term shire town is used in the US st ...

is Uniontown. The county was created on September 26, 1783, from part of Westmoreland County and named after the

Marquis de Lafayette Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (6 September 1757 – 20 May 1834), known in the United States as Lafayette (, ), was a French aristocrat, freemason and military officer who fought in the American Revolutio ...

. Fayette County is part of the

Pittsburgh, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area Greater Pittsburgh is a populous region centered around its largest city and economic hub, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The region encompasses Pittsburgh's urban core county, Allegheny, and six adjacent Pennsylvania counties: Armstrong, Beaver, ...

. The southern border of Fayette County is the southern border of Pennsylvania at both the Pennsylvania–Maryland state line (the

Mason–Dixon line The Mason–Dixon line, also called the Mason and Dixon line or Mason's and Dixon's line, is a demarcation line separating four U.S. states, forming part of the borders of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia (part of Virginia ...

) and the Pennsylvania–West Virginia state line.

History

The first Europeans in Fayette County were explorers, who had used an ancient American Indian trail that bisected the county on their journey across the

Appalachian Mountains The Appalachian Mountains, often called the Appalachians, (french: Appalaches), are a system of mountains in eastern to northeastern North America. The Appalachians first formed roughly 480 million years ago during the Ordovician Period. They ...

. In 1754, when control of the area was still in dispute between France and Great Britain, 22-year-old

George Washington George Washington (February 22, 1732, 1799) was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Appointed by the Continental Congress as commander of th ...

fought against the French at the

Battle of Jumonville Glen The Battle of Jumonville Glen, also known as the Jumonville affair, was the opening battle of the French and Indian War, fought on May 28, 1754, near present-day Hopwood and Uniontown in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. A company of provincial ...

and

Fort Necessity Fort Necessity National Battlefield is a National Battlefield in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States, which preserves the site of the Battle of Fort Necessity. The battle, which took place on July 3, 1754, was an early battle of the ...

. British forces under Washington and General

Edward Braddock Major-General Edward Braddock (January 1695 – 13 July 1755) was a British officer and commander-in-chief for the Thirteen Colonies during the start of the French and Indian War (1754–1763), the North American front of what is known in Europe ...

improved roads throughout the region, making the future Fayette County an important supply route. During the Revolutionary War, Fayette County was plagued by attacks from British-allied Indians and remained isolated as a frontier region. Also retarding settlement was a border dispute with Virginia; Virginia's

District of West Augusta The District of West Augusta was a short-lived (1774–76) historical region of Colonial Virginia that encompassed much of what is now northern West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania. History Before the Colony of Virginia and the Provi ...

and Pennsylvania's Westmoreland County both claimed the area. In 1780 the dispute was settled by the federal government in favor of Pennsylvania, and Fayette County was formed from Westmoreland County in 1783. Fayette County settlers provided the new United States government with an early test of authority in the 1793

Whiskey Rebellion The Whiskey Rebellion (also known as the Whiskey Insurrection) was a violent tax protest in the United States beginning in 1791 and ending in 1794 during the presidency of George Washington. The so-called "whiskey tax" was the first tax impo ...

, when farmers rebelled against tax collectors to protest a new liquor tax. President George Washington called out the militias to restore order. However, they were talked out of any violent action by owner of Friendship Hill and future Secretary of the Treasury,

Albert Gallatin Abraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin (January 29, 1761 – August 12, 1849) was a Genevan–American politician, diplomat, ethnologist and linguist. Often described as "America's Swiss Founding Father", he was a leading figure in the early years o ...

. Fayette County continued to be important to travelers in the early 1800s. The

National Road The National Road (also known as the Cumberland Road) was the first major improved highway in the United States built by the Federal Government of the United States, federal government. Built between 1811 and 1837, the road connected the Pot ...

provided a route through the mountains of the county for settlers heading west. The shipyards in Brownsville on the

Monongahela River The Monongahela River ( , )—often referred to locally as the Mon ()—is a U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline dataThe National Map accessed August 15, 2011 river on the Allegheny Plateau in north-cen ...

built ships for both the domestic and international trade. As

Pittsburgh Pittsburgh ( ) is a city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States, and the county seat of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Allegheny County. It is the most populous city in both Allegheny County and Wester ...

developed its industries in the mid-19th century, Fayette County became a center of coal mining and coke production. From the 1880s to the early 1900s, the area's great expansion in

steel Steel is an alloy made up of iron with added carbon to improve its strength and fracture resistance compared to other forms of iron. Many other elements may be present or added. Stainless steels that are corrosion- and oxidation-resistant ty ...

production became nationally important, and labor unions shaped national policies. Both new European immigrants and

African Americans African Americans (also referred to as Black Americans and Afro-Americans) are an ethnic group consisting of Americans with partial or total ancestry from sub-Saharan Africa. The term "African American" generally denotes descendants of ens ...

in the Great Migration from the rural South were attracted to the Pittsburgh area for industrial jobs. The historic Scottish and German farming communities established in the earlier 19th century were soon overshadowed by the wave of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. The region's wealth has been concentrated largely among the old English and Scottish families who had established businesses and political power in Pittsburgh prior to and in the advent of industrialization, often building the new manufacturing concerns, as did

Andrew Carnegie Andrew Carnegie (, ; November 25, 1835August 11, 1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist. Carnegie led the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century and became one of the richest Americans i ...

. By

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

, Fayette County had a new unionized working class that enjoyed increased prosperity. In the 1950s, however, the coal industry fell into decline. In the 1970s, the restructuring and collapse of American steel resulted in a massive loss of industrial jobs and hard times in the area. The population has declined since the peak in 1940, as residents have had to move elsewhere for work. The loss of union jobs caused many working families to drop out of the middle class. Only a few mines are being worked in the 21st century, but natural resources remain crucial to the local economy. The region is slowly transitioning toward the service sector, with an increase in jobs in fields such as telemarketing.

Geography

According to the

U.S. Census Bureau The United States Census Bureau (USCB), officially the Bureau of the Census, is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, responsible for producing data about the American people and economy. The Census Bureau is part of the ...

, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (1.0%) is water. The western portion of the county contains rolling foothills and two valleys along the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers. The eastern portion of the county is highly mountainous and forested. Many coal mines are located within the area.

Adjacent counties

* Westmoreland County (north) * Somerset County (east) * Garrett County, Maryland (southeast) *

Preston County, West Virginia Preston County is a county located in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 34,216. Its county seat is Kingwood. The county was formed from Monongalia County in 1818 and named for Virginia Governor James ...

(south) *

Monongalia County, West Virginia Monongalia County, known locally as Mon County, is located in the U.S. state of West Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 105,822, making it West Virginia's third-most populous county. Its county seat is at Morgantown. The coun ...

(southwest) * Greene County (west) * Washington County (northwest)

National protected areas

Fort Necessity National Battlefield Fort Necessity National Battlefield is a National Battlefield in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States, which preserves the site of the Battle of Fort Necessity. The battle, which took place on July 3, 1754, was an early battle of the F ...

Friendship Hill National Historic Site Friendship Hill was the home of early American politician and statesman Albert Gallatin (1761–1849). Gallatin was a U.S. Congressman, the longest-serving Secretary of the Treasury under two presidents, and ambassador to France and Great Britain ...

Climate

Fayette has a

humid continental climate A humid continental climate is a climatic region defined by Russo-German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1900, typified by four distinct seasons and large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and freezing ...

(''Dfa''/''Dfb'').

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, there were 136,606 people, 59,969 households, and 41,198 families residing in the county. The

population density Population density (in agriculture: standing stock or plant density) is a measurement of population per unit land area. It is mostly applied to humans, but sometimes to other living organisms too. It is a key geographical term.Matt RosenberPopul ...

was 188 people per square mile (73/km²). There were 66,490 housing units at an average density of 84 per square mile (32/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.30%

White White is the lightest color and is achromatic (having no hue). It is the color of objects such as snow, chalk, and milk, and is the opposite of black. White objects fully reflect and scatter all the visible wavelengths of light. White o ...

, 4.71%

Black Black is a color which results from the absence or complete absorption of visible light. It is an achromatic color, without hue, like white and grey. It is often used symbolically or figuratively to represent darkness. Black and white ...

African American African Americans (also referred to as Black Americans and Afro-Americans) are an ethnic group consisting of Americans with partial or total ancestry from sub-Saharan Africa. The term "African American" generally denotes descendants of ens ...

, 0.11% Native American, 0.22%

Asian Asian may refer to: * Items from or related to the continent of Asia: ** Asian people, people in or descending from Asia ** Asian culture, the culture of the people from Asia ** Asian cuisine, food based on the style of food of the people from Asi ...

, 0.01%

Pacific Islander Pacific Islanders, Pasifika, Pasefika, or rarely Pacificers are the peoples of the Pacific Islands. As an ethnic/racial term, it is used to describe the original peoples—inhabitants and diasporas—of any of the three major subregions of O ...

, 0.11% from

other races Other often refers to: * Other (philosophy), a concept in psychology and philosophy Other or The Other may also refer to: Film and television * ''The Other'' (1913 film), a German silent film directed by Max Mack * ''The Other'' (1930 film), a ...

, and 2.33% from two or more races. 1.38% of the population were

Hispanic The term ''Hispanic'' ( es, hispano) refers to people, Spanish culture, cultures, or countries related to Spain, the Spanish language, or Hispanidad. The term commonly applies to countries with a cultural and historical link to Spain and to Vic ...

Latino Latino or Latinos most often refers to: * Latino (demonym), a term used in the United States for people with cultural ties to Latin America * Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States * The people or cultures of Latin America; ** Latin A ...

of any race. 19.8% were of

German German(s) may refer to: * Germany (of or related to) ** Germania (historical use) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law **Ge ...

, 13.2%

Italian Italian(s) may refer to: * Anything of, from, or related to the people of Italy over the centuries ** Italians, an ethnic group or simply a citizen of the Italian Republic or Italian Kingdom ** Italian language, a Romance language *** Regional Ita ...

, 11.4%

Irish Irish may refer to: Common meanings * Someone or something of, from, or related to: ** Ireland, an island situated off the north-western coast of continental Europe ***Éire, Irish language name for the isle ** Northern Ireland, a constituent unit ...

, 9.2%

American American(s) may refer to: * American, something of, from, or related to the United States of America, commonly known as the "United States" or "America" ** Americans, citizens and nationals of the United States of America ** American ancestry, pe ...

, 8.4%

Polish Polish may refer to: * Anything from or related to Poland, a country in Europe * Polish language * Poles Poles,, ; singular masculine: ''Polak'', singular feminine: ''Polka'' or Polish people, are a West Slavic nation and ethnic group, w ...

, 7.9%

English English usually refers to: * English language * English people English may also refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * ''English'', an adjective for something of, from, or related to England ** English national ide ...

and 6.6% Slovak ancestry. There were 59,969 households, out of which 28.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.80% were married couples living together, 12.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.30% were non-families. 28.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.96. In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.70% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 24.20% from 45 to 64, and 18.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.60 males.

2020 Census

Government

The County of Fayette is governed by a three-member publicly elected commission. The three commissioners serve in both executive and legislative capacities. By state law, the commission must have a minority party member, guaranteeing a political split. Each member serves a four-year term. Current commissioners are Democrat Vince Vicites and Republicans David Lohr and Scott Dunn. In October 2015, Sidney Bush, the first African American elected to county office, was sworn in as controller. She is a longtime county employee. The Fayette County

Court of Common Pleas A court of common pleas is a common kind of court structure found in various common law jurisdictions. The form originated with the Court of Common Pleas at Westminster, which was created to permit individuals to press civil grievances against one ...

serves as the primary judicial arm in the region. Judges are elected to ten-year terms in accordance with Commonwealth law. Additionally, district judges serve throughout the county and rule on minor offenses. Current judges are President Judge John F. Wagner Jr., Steve P. Leskinen, Nancy Vernon, Linda Cordaro, and Joseph M. George Jr.

Politics

In August 2022, for the first time in county's history, the total number of registered Republican voters exceeded the number of registered Democrats. As of November 7, 2022, there are 79,451 registered voters in Fayette County.. dos.pa.gov. Retrieved on November 7, 2022. *

Republican Republican can refer to: Political ideology * An advocate of a republic, a type of government that is not a monarchy or dictatorship, and is usually associated with the rule of law. ** Republicanism, the ideology in support of republics or agains ...

: 36,121 (45.46%) * Democratic: 35,240 (44.35%) *

Independent Independent or Independents may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Artist groups * Independents (artist group), a group of modernist painters based in the New Hope, Pennsylvania, area of the United States during the early 1930s * Independ ...

: 5,730 (7.21%) *

Third Party Third party may refer to: Business * Third-party source, a supplier company not owned by the buyer or seller * Third-party beneficiary, a person who could sue on a contract, despite not being an active party * Third-party insurance, such as a V ...

: 2,360 (2.97%) Historically, Fayette County tended to be strongly Democratic-leaning in statewide and national elections due to a strong union history, as county residents tend to be liberal on economic issues. At the presidential level, the Democratic candidate won by over 15 points in every election from 1932 through 2004 except 1972, usually winning by 25 points or more. However, similar to the rest of Western Pennsylvania outside of

and

Erie Erie (; ) is a city on the south shore of Lake Erie and the county seat of Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. Erie is the fifth largest city in Pennsylvania and the largest city in Northwestern Pennsylvania with a population of 94,831 a ...

, most residents tend to be socially conservative, and the county has been trending steadily towards the Republicans since 1996. In the past six presidential elections, the Republican party has continued to improve in each successive election, and the county was one of only 41 counties nationwide to flip from Democratic to Republican in 2008. Despite losing nationwide and statewide by a large margin,

John McCain John Sidney McCain III (August 29, 1936 – August 25, 2018) was an American politician and United States Navy officer who served as a United States senator from Arizona from 1987 until his death in 2018. He previously served two terms ...

became the first Republican since 1972 and only the second Republican since 1928 to win Fayette County in 2008, and four years later, Mitt Romney became only the second Republican since 1928 to win a majority of the county's vote. In 2016, Republican Donald Trump won the county by a massive margin of 31 points, carrying the county 64–33 and becoming the first Republican to win the county by double digits since 1928, as well as the first Republican to receive over 60% of the county's vote in history. Four years later, he improved on his margin, winning 66.4-32.9. The county has also become solidly Republican in non-presidental races, with Republicans

Lou Barletta Louis John Barletta (born January 28, 1956) is an American businessman and politician who served as the U.S. representative for from 2011 to 2019. A member of the Republican Party, he served as mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, from 2000 to 2010. ...

and Scott Wagner carrying the county in the 2018 Senate and gubernatorial races, respectively, despite both losing statewide by landslide margins of over 10 points, although both won by narrow margins of less than 3 points in Fayette County.

State representatives

Serve 2 year terms in Pennsylvania House of Representatives *

Bud Cook Alexander Leone Lally "Bud" Cook (November 20, 1907 – November 13, 1993) was a Canadian ice hockey centre forward who played 50 games over three seasons in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, and St. Louis Eag ...

, Republican, 49th District *

Pam Snyder Pamela M. Snyder (born November 20, 1955) is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving since 2013. She represents the 50th district. Snyder previously served for nine years as a Greene County Commissioner. Biogr ...

, Democrat, 50th District * Matt Dowling, Republican, 51st District * Ryan Warner, Republican, 52nd District

State senator

* Pat Stefano, Republican, 32nd district serves 4-year term in

Pennsylvania Senate The Pennsylvania State Senate is the upper house of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania state legislature. The State Senate meets in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. Senators are elected for four year terms, staggered ...

U.S. Representative

Guy Reschenthaler Guy Lorin Reschenthaler ( ; born April 17, 1983) is an American politician, attorney, judge, and United States Navy, U.S. Navy veteran. A Republican Party (United States), Republican, he is the United States House of Representatives, U.S. represe ...

, Republican ( 14th district)

U.S. Senators

Serves six year terms in

U.S. Senate The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress, with the House of Representatives being the lower chamber. Together they compose the national bicameral legislature of the United States. The composition and pow ...

Pat Toomey Patrick Joseph Toomey Jr. (born November 17, 1961) is an American businessman and politician serving as the junior United States senator for Pennsylvania since 2011. A member of the Republican Party, he served three terms as the U.S. representat ...

, Republican *

Bob Casey Jr. Robert Patrick Casey Jr. (born April 13, 1960) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the senior United States senator from Pennsylvania, a seat he has held since 2007. A member of the Democratic Party, Casey previously served as Penn ...

, Democratic

Education

Colleges and universities

Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus is a commonwealth campus of the Pennsylvania State University and located in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania. The campus serves students from the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania covering a five-county area ...

is a Commonwealth Campus of the Pennsylvania State University system located in Lemont Furnace. Penn State Fayette is the only four-year (bachelors) degree granting institution in Fayette County.

Public school districts

Map of Fayette County Pennsylvania School Districts

* Albert Gallatin Area School District * Belle Vernon Area School District (also in Westmoreland County) *

Brownsville Area School District The Brownsville Area School District spans portions of two counties. In Fayette County, Pennsylvania it covers the Borough of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, Brownsville and Brownsville Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Brownsville Township, Lu ...

(also in Washington County) *

Connellsville Area School District The Connellsville Area School District is a large rural, public school district which covers the City of Connellsville, the Boroughs of Dawson, Dunbar, Seven Springs, South Connellsville and Vanderbilt and Bullskin Township, Connellsville ...

( biggest school in Fayette county) *

Frazier School District The Frazier School District is a diminutive, rural public school district located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles south of Pittsburgh. It serves the boroughs of Perryopolis and Newell, and the townships of Perry, Jefferson, and ...

Laurel Highlands School District Laurel Highlands School District is a public school district located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. It serves North and South Union Townships. Laurel Highlands School District encompasses approximately 55 square miles. According ...

Southmoreland School District Southmoreland School District is a small, suburban public school district located in northern Fayette County, Pennsylvania and southern Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The boroughs of Scottdale and Everson, as well as the townships of East ...

(also in Westmoreland County) * Uniontown Area School District

Private schools

* Apostolic Christian Academy - Dunbar * Bible Baptist Academy - Uniontown * Champion Christian School - Champion * Chestnut Ridge Christian Academy - Uniontown * Connellsville Area Catholic School - Connellsville * Geibel Catholic High School - Connellsville * Mount Carmel Christian School - Mount Pleasant * Mount Moriah Christian School - Smithfield * Mount Zion Christian Academy - Acme * New Meadow Run Parochial School - Farmington * Spring Valley School - Farmington * St John Evangelist School - Uniontown * Verna Montessori School - Prittstown

Intermediate unit

Fayette County is served by

Intermediate Unit {{short description, School service agencies in Pennsylvania In Pennsylvania, intermediate units are regional educational service agencies, established by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Intermediate units are public entities and serve a given ...

#1 which provides a wide variety of services to public, charter and private schools in the region. Early screening, special educations services, speech and hearing therapy and driver education are available. Services for children during the preschool years are provided without cost to their families when the child is determined to meet eligibility requirements. The IU1 also provides the state mandated multiple background screenings for potential school employees. A variety of professional development services are also available to the schools' employees

Transportation

While Fayette County is a generally rural area and is not directly tied into the interstate system, it features four-lane access to the city of

and several of its major suburban areas. State highway plans call for the establishment of direct freeway connections with Pittsburgh to the north and Morgantown, West Virginia to the south.

Major highways

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Public transportation

The primary provider of mass transportation within the region is

Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation, known by the moniker of FACT, is a public transportation service located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It provides inter-city bus and paratransit service to select communities within the county. Because t ...

, which features local bus routes as well as four times-daily commuter service to Pittsburgh.

Amtrak The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Trade name, doing business as Amtrak () , is the national Passenger train, passenger railroad company of the United States. It operates inter-city rail service in 46 of the 48 contiguous United Stat ...

rail service along the Chicago-to-Washington-via-Cleveland

Capitol Limited The ''Capitol Limited'' is a daily Amtrak train between Washington, D.C., and Chicago, running via Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Service began in 1981 and was named after the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's ''Capitol Limited'' which ended in 197 ...

route stops at Connellsville Station. General aviation services are also provided at the

Joseph A. Hardy Connellsville Airport Joseph A. Hardy Connellsville Airport is a public-use airport located four nautical miles (7 km) southwest of Connellsville in Dunbar Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is owned by the Fayette County Airport Authority an ...

Communities

Map of Fayette County Pennsylvania With Municipal and Township Labels

Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities:

cities A city is a human settlement of notable size.Goodall, B. (1987) ''The Penguin Dictionary of Human Geography''. London: Penguin.Kuper, A. and Kuper, J., eds (1996) ''The Social Science Encyclopedia''. 2nd edition. London: Routledge. It can be def ...

boroughs A borough is an administrative division in various English-speaking countries. In principle, the term ''borough'' designates a self-governing walled town, although in practice, official use of the term varies widely. History In the Middle Ag ...

townships A township is a kind of human settlement or administrative subdivision, with its meaning varying in different countries. Although the term is occasionally associated with an urban area, that tends to be an exception to the rule. In Australia, C ...

, and, in at most two cases,

towns A town is a human settlement. Towns are generally larger than villages and smaller than cities, though the criteria to distinguish between them vary considerably in different parts of the world. Origin and use The word "town" shares an ori ...

. The following cities, boroughs and townships are located in Fayette County:

Cities

Connellsville Connellsville is a city in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States, southeast of Pittsburgh and away via the Youghiogheny River, a tributary of the Monongahela River. It is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. The population was 7,637 at th ...

* Uniontown (county seat)

Boroughs

Belle Vernon Belle Vernon is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It is situated along the Monongahela River abutting two other counties, Westmoreland to the north and Washington across the river. As of the 2020 census Belle Vernon had a population of ...

* Brownsville * Dawson *

Dunbar Dunbar () is a town on the North Sea coast in East Lothian in the south-east of Scotland, approximately east of Edinburgh and from the English border north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Dunbar is a former royal burgh, and gave its name to an ecc ...

* Everson * Fairchance * Fayette City * Markleysburg * Masontown *Newell, Pennsylvania, Newell *Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, Ohiopyle *Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, Perryopolis *Point Marion, Pennsylvania, Point Marion *Seven Springs, Pennsylvania, Seven Springs (partly in Somerset County) *Smithfield, Pennsylvania, Smithfield *South Connellsville, Pennsylvania, South Connellsville *Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt

Townships

*Brownsville Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Brownsville *Bullskin Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Bullskin *Connellsville Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Connellsville *Dunbar Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Dunbar *Franklin Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Franklin *Georges Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Georges *German Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, German *Henry Clay Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Henry Clay *Jefferson Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Jefferson *Lower Tyrone Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Lower Tyrone *Luzerne Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Luzerne *Menallen Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Menallen *Nicholson Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Nicholson *North Union Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, North Union *Perry Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Perry *Redstone Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Redstone *Saltlick Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Saltlick *South Union Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, South Union *Springfield Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Springfield *Springhill Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Springhill *Stewart Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Stewart *Upper Tyrone Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Upper Tyrone *Washington Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Washington *Wharton Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Wharton

Census-designated places

Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by the

for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law. Other unincorporated communities, such as villages, may be listed here as well. *Allison, Pennsylvania, Allison *Arnold City, Pennsylvania, Arnold City *Bear Rocks, Pennsylvania, Bear Rocks *Buffington, Pennsylvania, Buffington *Chalkhill, Pennsylvania, Chalkhill *Deer Lake, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Deer Lake *East Uniontown, Pennsylvania, East Uniontown *Edenborn, Pennsylvania, Edenborn *Fairhope, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Fairhope *Farmington, Pennsylvania, Farmington *Grindstone, Pennsylvania, Grindstone *Hiller, Pennsylvania, Hiller *Hopwood, Pennsylvania, Hopwood *Leith-Hatfield, Pennsylvania, Leith-Hatfield * Lemont Furnace *Lynnwood-Pricedale, Pennsylvania, Lynnwood-Pricedale *Naomi, Pennsylvania, Naomi *New Salem, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, New Salem *Oliver, Pennsylvania, Oliver *Republic, Pennsylvania, Republic *Ronco, Pennsylvania, Ronco *Rowes Run, Pennsylvania, Rowes Run *Smock, Pennsylvania, Smock *South Uniontown, Pennsylvania, South Uniontown *Star Junction, Pennsylvania, Star Junction

Unincorporated communities

* Acme, Pennsylvania, Acme * Adah, Pennsylvania, Adah * Collier, Pennsylvania, Collier * Fairbank, Pennsylvania, Fairbank * Gans, Pennsylvania, Gans * Lake Lynn, Pennsylvania, Lake Lynn * McClellandtown, Pennsylvania, McClellandtown * Melcroft, Pennsylvania, Melcroft * New Haven, Pennsylvania, New Haven * Normalville, (originally named Elm) * Oliphant Furnace, Pennsylvania, Oliphant Furnace * Sagamore, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Sagamore * Whitsett, Pennsylvania, Whitsett * Wickhaven, Pennsylvania, Wickhaven

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 United States census, 2010 census of Fayette County. † ''county seat''

Fixtures

is a reconstructed historic stockade that was originally built by

to defend against an attack during the French and Indian War. Located in Wharton Township, it is now operated as a national battlefield. ** General Edward Braddock's Grave is across the highway from Fort Necessity. He was mortally wounded while attacking Fort Duquesne (at the "forks of the Ohio River" in present-day Downtown Pittsburgh) during the French and Indian War. It is a unit of the national battlefield. Under an agreement with British government, the site of Braddock's grave is officially considered British soil. * The

(also known as the Cumberland Road) bisects Fayette County. It was the first significant roadway to be paid for by the federal government, connecting Baltimore, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. US 40 follows the path of this historic toll road. ** Two historic fixtures from the National Road exist within Fayette County's borders. Searights Toll House in Menallen Township is one of few remaining toll collection stops along the old route. The Washington Tavern, a unit of Fort Necessity National Battlefield, is a classic example of an early 19th-century inn. * The town of Perryopolis was designed by George Washington during his career as a surveyor. It includes a restored grist mill that once served as an (unsuccessful) business venture for the future president. * Fallingwater, architect Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous home, is located atop a flowing waterfall in Stewart Township. His lesser known Kentuck Knob is also located within the same municipality. * Friendship Hill, the home of the little-known but highly influential early-19th-century political figure

, is maintained as a National Historic Site. It is located in Springhill Township. * Fayette County's southern border is adorned with plaques that mark its significance as part of the

* A collection of waterfalls surrounding the Youghiogheny River Gorge are protected as part of Ohiopyle State Park. * Laurel Ridge State Park contains an extensive hiking trail that traverses much of Pennsylvania's Appalachian foothills. * The county contains the largest cave in Pennsylvania, Laurel Caverns, which is popular as both a tour and spelunking destination. * A historic trading post that eventually was turned into a spectacular mansion is featured in Nemacolin Castle. The structure is well known for its connections to the Underground Railroad. * The prestigious Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is located in Wharton Township. It features a five star hotel and has received a license for a slots casino. * Mountainous Eastern Fayette County is home to the Seven Springs Mountain Resort, which is the premier skiing destination for Greater Pittsburgh.

Notable people

* Bob Bailor, former MLB utility player (raised in Connellsville) * John A. Brashear, Astronomer and optical telescope fabricator (born in Brownsville) * Jim Braxton, All American at West Virginia University and former NFL running back (raised in Vanderbilt) * John Dickson Carr, mystery writer and three time Edgar Allan Poe Award winner (raised in Uniontown) * Rhoda Chase, well-known 1940s radio and stage personality, nicknamed "The Blue Velvet Voice" (raised in Uniontown) * Todd Tamanend Clark, poet and composer (resides in German Township since 1993) * Robert L. Coble, materials scientist who discovered the Coble creep and invented the sodium-vapor lamp (raised in Uniontown) * Sarah B. Cochran, active philanthropist, director on multiple corporate boards and built Linden Hall at Saint James Park, Linden Hall (raised in Tyrone Township) * Vinnie Colaiuta, session and band drummer for a wide range of jazz, fusion, rock, and funk performers (raised in Republic) *Major Coxson, drug kingpin in Philadelphia in the early 1970s (born in Fairbank) * Doug Dascenzo, former Major League Baseball outfielder (raised in Brownsville) * Ernie Davis, 1961 Heisman Trophy Winner and first overall selection in the 1962 NFL Draft (raised in New Salem until age 12) * Thomas Dolinay, former chief bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh, Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church (raised in Uniontown) * Chuck Drazenovich, All-pro Middle Linebacker for the Washington Redskins and U.S. Heavyweight Boxing Champion for Penn State (raised in West Brownsville) * Tory Epps, former NFL defensive lineman (raised in Uniontown) * Fabian Forte, 1960s pop musician (resides in Dunbar Township) *

, Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. House Majority leader, and founder of New York University (spent much of adult life in New Geneva, which he founded and named) * Gus Gerard, former NBA forward (raised in Uniontown) * Joseph A. Hardy III, Joe Hardy, founder of 84 Lumber, one of the country's largest privately owned companies (resides in Wharton Township) * Alfred Hunt (steel magnate), Alfred Hunt, founder of Bethlehem Steel (born and raised in Brownsville) * Philander C. Knox, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Attorney General (raised in Brownsville) * John Kundla, educator, college/professional basketball coach (born in Star Junction) * Stu Lantz, former NBA guard and current Los Angeles Lakers color commentator (raised in Uniontown) * Johnny Lujack, 1947 Heisman Trophy Winner and former NFL quarterback (raised in Connellsville) * George C. Marshall, 1953 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Secretary of State, World War II Supreme Allied Commander, and author of the Marshall Plan (raised in Uniontown) * Jerry McKenna, sculptor (born in Connellsville) * Terry Mulholland, former MLB starting pitcher (raised in South Union Township) * Chuck Muncie, former NFL running back (raised in Uniontown) * Marie Hochmuth Nichols, rhetorical critic (born in Dunbar) * Ronald D. Palmer, career diplomat and US Ambassador to Togo, Malaysia, and Mauritius (raised in Uniontown) * Tamora Pierce, fantasy writer known for creating The Song of the Lioness series (raised in Dunbar until age 8) * Edwin S. Porter, film pioneer and director of ''The Great Train Robbery (1903 film), The Great Train Robbery'' (raised in Connellsville) * Ed Roebuck, former MLB relief pitcher (raised in East Millsboro) * Henry Miller Shreve, pioneering captain who opened the Mississippi River to steamboat navigation (lived life in Brownsville) * C. Vivian Stringer, Rutgers women's basketball coach who is the third winningest women's coach in NCAA history (raised in Edenborn) * Jacob B. Sweitzer, Civil War general and significant figure in the Battle of Gettysburg (born in Brownsville) * Saul Swimmer, documentary film maker best known for ''The Concert For Bangladesh''; co-producer of The Beatles' ''Let It Be (Beatles album), Let It Be'' (raised in Uniontown) * John Woodruff (athlete), John Woodruff, track gold medalist at the 1936 Summer Olympics (raised in Connellsville) * Frank Wydo, former NFL offensive tackle (raised in Footedale) * Dorian Johnson, All American for University of Pittsburgh (born in Belle Vernon) * Charles Graner was a prison officer here before moving to another county.

In popular culture

In 1967 Uniontown was the birthplace of the McDonald's Big Mac sandwich. Big Mac History

References

External links

*
Coalfields of the Appalachian Mountains - Connellsville Coal Field
{{Coord, 39.92, -79.65, display=title, type:adm2nd_region:US-PA_source:UScensus1990 Fayette County, Pennsylvania, 1783 establishments in Pennsylvania Populated places established in 1783 Counties of Appalachia Pittsburgh metropolitan area Populated places on the Underground Railroad Laurel Highlands