Fayette County, Pennsylvania

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Fayette County, Pennsylvania

Fayette County, Pennsylvania is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 128,804. The county seat is Uniontown. The county was created on September 26, 1783, from part of Westmoreland County and named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolutionary War.

History

Fayette County was established in 1783 and played a significant role in the early history of the United States. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Lenape. The county was a key location during the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, a protest against the federal excise tax on whiskey.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 798 square miles (2,070 km²), of which 790 square miles (2,000 km²) is land and 8.0 square miles (21 km²) (1.0%) is water. The county is part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Adjacent counties

• Westmoreland County (north)
• Somerset County (east)
• Garrett County, Maryland (southeast)
• Preston County, West Virginia (south)
• Monongalia County, West Virginia (southwest)
• Greene County (west)
• Washington County (northwest)

Major highways

• Interstate 70
• Interstate 76
• U.S. Route 40
• U.S. Route 119
• Pennsylvania Route 21
• Pennsylvania Route 51

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 128,804 people, 52,159 households, and 34,567 families residing in the county. The population density was 163 people per square mile (63/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.5% White, 5.2% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

Economy

The economy of Fayette County has historically been based on coal mining and steel production. In recent years, the county has diversified its economy to include healthcare, education, and tourism. The Uniontown Mall and Laurel Caverns are notable attractions in the area.

Education

Fayette County is served by several public school districts, including the Uniontown Area School District, Laurel Highlands School District, and Connellsville Area School District. Higher education institutions in the county include Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus and Laurel Business Institute.

Communities

Fayette County is home to several boroughs, townships, and unincorporated communities. The largest city and county seat is Uniontown.

Boroughs

• Belle Vernon
• Brownsville
• Connellsville
• Dunbar
• Masontown
• Point Marion

Townships

• Bullskin Township
• Dunbar Township
• Franklin Township
• Georges Township
• German Township
• Luzerne Township

Notable people

• Albert Gallatin, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
• Joe Montana, Hall of Fame NFL quarterback

See also

• List of counties in Pennsylvania
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Fayette County, Pennsylvania
• Fayette County Courthouse (Pennsylvania)