Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Fayette County is a county
located in the U.S. state
of Pennsylvania
. As of the
2010 census
, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area
.
Fayette County was created on September 26, 1783, from part of Westmoreland County
and named after the Marquis de Lafayette. Its county seat
is Uniontown
.
trail that bisected the county on their journey across the Appalachian Mountains
. In 1754, when ownership the area was still in dispute, 22-year-old George Washington
fought against the French
at Jumonville Glen and Fort Necessity. British forces under Washington and General Edward Braddock
improved roads throughout the region, making the future Fayette County an important supply route. During the American Revolution
, Fayette County was pllagued by attacks from British-allied Indians and remained an isolated frontier region. Also retarding settlement was a border dispute with Virginia; Virginia's District of West Augusta
and Pennsylvania's Westmoreland County
both claim the area. In 1780 the dispute was settled in favor of Pennsylvania, and Fayette County was formed from Westmoreland County in 1783.
Fayette County settlers provided the new United States government with first test in the 1793 Whiskey Rebellion
, when farmers rebelled against tax collectors to protest of a new liquor tax. President George Washington called out the militias to restore order. Fayette County continued to be important to travelers in the early 1800s. The National Road
provided a route through the mountains for settlers heading west. The shipyards in Brownsville
on the Monongahela River built ships for both the domestic and international trade.
As Pittsburgh developed in the mid-19th century, Fayette County become a center of coal mining
and coke
production. From the 1880s to the early 1900s, an explosion in steel
production became nationally important. New immigrants were attracted to Fayette County to seek jobs. The Scottish and German farming communities were soon overshadowed by new populations from Southern and Eastern Europe. The region's wealth nevertheless remained concentrated in the old English and Scottish families with connections to Pittsburgh.
By World War II, 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 collapse of American steel brought hard times to the County. Industrial restructuring meant the loss of the union jobs which had brought so many families to the middle class. Only a few mines now remain, but natural resources remain crucial to the local economy. The region is slowly transitioning itself toward the service sector, with jobs in fields such as telemarketing.
, the county has a total area of 798 square miles (2,066.8 km²), of which 790 square miles (2,046.1 km²) is land and 8 square miles (20.7 km²) (0.98%) is water. The western portion of the county contains rolling foothills and two valleys along the Monongahela River
and Youghiogheny River
s. The eastern portion of the county is highly mountainous and forested. Many coal mines are located within the area.
to the south.
, which features local bus routes as well as four time-daily commuter service to Pittsburgh. Amtrak
rail service along the Chicago-to-Washington-via-Cleveland Capitol Limited
route stops at Connellsville Station
. General aviation services are also provided at the Joseph A. Hardy Connellsville Airport
.
The three current commissioners for Fayette County are Vince Vicities (Democrat
), Vince Zapotosky (Democrat), and Angela Zimmerlink (Republican
).
Vicities is the son of a former county commissioner, and worked in the office of the state auditor general and as director of Fayette County Waste Management prior to taking office in 1996. Zapotosky formerly worked as an aide to Congressman Frank Mascara
and later was an administrator at Douglas Business School. Zimmerlink previously held a career in real estate.
The Fayette County Court of Common Pleas
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 offences. Current judges are President Judge Gerald R. Solomon, John F. Wagner, Jr., Ralph C. Warman, Steve P. Leskinen, and Nancy Vernon.
Fayette County tends to be Democratic-leaning in statewide and national elections. While Democratic politics are entrenched because of a strong union history, the county is generally socially conservative. In 2000, Democrat Al Gore won 57% of the vote and Republican George W. Bush won 40%. In 2004, Democrat John Kerry won 53% of the vote and Republican George W. Bush won 45%. In 2006, Democrat Governor Ed Rendell and Senator Bob Casey, Jr. won 59% and 65% of the vote in Fayette County. In 2008, Fayette County trended Republican and went for Republican John McCain 49.62% over Democrat Barack Obama 49.21%, a difference of 215 votes. In 2010, Republican Governor Tom Corbett
and Senator Pat Toomey
won 55% and 50.19% of the vote.
of 2010, there were 136,606 people, 59,969 households, and 41,198 families residing in the county. The population density
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 95.30% White
, 3.51% Black
or African American
, 0.11% Native American
, 0.22% Asian
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
, 0.11% from other races
, and 0.73% from two or more races. 0.38% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 19.8% were of German, 13.2% Italian
, 11.4% Irish
, 9.2% American
, 8.4% Polish, 7.9% English
and 6.6% Slovak ancestry according to Census 2000.
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.
A study released in 2009 by PathWays PA, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, found that 35% of families in Fayette County were economically distressed, that is, failing to earn a wage that would adequately provide food, shelter, child care, health care, and other basic necessities.
Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns. The following cities, boroughs and townships are located in Fayette County:
s are geographical areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau
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.
County (United States)
In the United States, a county is a geographic subdivision of a state , usually assigned some governmental authority. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states; Louisiana is divided into parishes and Alaska into boroughs. Parishes and boroughs are called "county-equivalents" by the U.S...
located in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. As of the
2010 census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
, the population was 136,606. The county is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area
Pittsburgh Metro Area
The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area is the metropolitan area surrounding the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is renowned for its industries including steel, glass and oil; moreover, its economy also thrives on healthcare, education, technology, robotics, financial services and more recently film...
.
Fayette County was created on September 26, 1783, from part of Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
and named after the Marquis de Lafayette. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Uniontown
Uniontown, Pennsylvania
Uniontown is a city in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, southeast of Pittsburgh and part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. Population in 1900, 7,344; in 1910, 13,344; in 1920, 15,692; and in 1940, 21,819. The population was 10,372 at the 2010 census...
.
History
The first Europeans in Fayette County were explorers, who used an ancient American IndianIndigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...
trail that bisected the county on their journey across the Appalachian Mountains
Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains #Whether the stressed vowel is or ,#Whether the "ch" is pronounced as a fricative or an affricate , and#Whether the final vowel is the monophthong or the diphthong .), often called the Appalachians, are a system of mountains in eastern North America. The Appalachians...
. In 1754, when ownership the area was still in dispute, 22-year-old George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
fought against the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
at Jumonville Glen and Fort Necessity. British forces under Washington and General Edward Braddock
Edward Braddock
General Edward Braddock was a British soldier and commander-in-chief for the 13 colonies during the actions at the start of the French and Indian War...
improved roads throughout the region, making the future Fayette County an important supply route. During the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
, Fayette County was pllagued by attacks from British-allied Indians and remained an isolated frontier region. Also retarding settlement was a border dispute with Virginia; Virginia's District of West Augusta
District of West Augusta
The District of West Augusta was a short-lived historical region of Colonial Virginia that encompassed much of what is now northern West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania.-History:...
and Pennsylvania's Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
both claim the area. In 1780 the dispute was settled in favor of Pennsylvania, and Fayette County was formed from Westmoreland County in 1783.
Fayette County settlers provided the new United States government with first test in the 1793 Whiskey Rebellion
Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion, or Whiskey Insurrection, was a tax protest in the United States in the 1790s, during the presidency of George Washington. Farmers who sold their corn in the form of whiskey had to pay a new tax which they strongly resented...
, when farmers rebelled against tax collectors to protest of a new liquor tax. President George Washington called out the militias to restore order. Fayette County continued to be important to travelers in the early 1800s. The National Road
National Road
The National Road or Cumberland Road was the first major improved highway in the United States to be built by the federal government. Construction began heading west in 1811 at Cumberland, Maryland, on the Potomac River. It crossed the Allegheny Mountains and southwestern Pennsylvania, reaching...
provided a route through the mountains for settlers heading west. The shipyards in Brownsville
Brownsville, Pennsylvania
Brownsville is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States, officially founded in 1785 located 35 miles south of Pittsburgh along the Monongahela River...
on the Monongahela River built ships for both the domestic and international trade.
As Pittsburgh developed in the mid-19th century, Fayette County become a center of coal mining
Coal mining
The goal of coal mining is to obtain coal from the ground. Coal is valued for its energy content, and since the 1880s has been widely used to generate electricity. Steel and cement industries use coal as a fuel for extraction of iron from iron ore and for cement production. In the United States,...
and coke
Coke (fuel)
Coke is the solid carbonaceous material derived from destructive distillation of low-ash, low-sulfur bituminous coal. Cokes from coal are grey, hard, and porous. While coke can be formed naturally, the commonly used form is man-made.- History :...
production. From the 1880s to the early 1900s, an explosion in steel
Steel
Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...
production became nationally important. New immigrants were attracted to Fayette County to seek jobs. The Scottish and German farming communities were soon overshadowed by new populations from Southern and Eastern Europe. The region's wealth nevertheless remained concentrated in the old English and Scottish families with connections to Pittsburgh.
By World War II, 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 collapse of American steel brought hard times to the County. Industrial restructuring meant the loss of the union jobs which had brought so many families to the middle class. Only a few mines now remain, but natural resources remain crucial to the local economy. The region is slowly transitioning itself toward the service sector, with jobs in fields such as telemarketing.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 798 square miles (2,066.8 km²), of which 790 square miles (2,046.1 km²) is land and 8 square miles (20.7 km²) (0.98%) is water. The western portion of the county contains rolling foothills and two valleys along the Monongahela River
Monongahela River
The Monongahela River is a river on the Allegheny Plateau in north-central West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania in the United States...
and Youghiogheny River
Youghiogheny River
The Youghiogheny River , or the Yough for short, is a tributary of the Monongahela River in the U.S. states of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania...
s. The eastern portion of the county is highly mountainous and forested. Many coal mines are located within the area.
Adjacent counties
- Westmoreland CountyWestmoreland County, Pennsylvania-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
(north) - Somerset CountySomerset County, PennsylvaniaSomerset County is a county located in the state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 77,742. Somerset County was created on April 17, 1795, from part of Bedford County and named for Somerset, United Kingdom. Its county seat is Somerset. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania,...
(east) - Garrett County, MarylandGarrett County, MarylandGarrett County is the westernmost county of the U.S. state of Maryland. Created from Allegany County, Maryland in 1872 it was the last Maryland county to be formed. It was named for John Work Garrett , railroad executive, industrialist, and financier. Garrett served as president of the Baltimore...
(southeast) - Preston County, West VirginiaPreston County, West VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 29,334 people, 11,544 households, and 8,357 families residing in the county. The population density was 45 people per square mile . There were 13,444 housing units at an average density of 21 per square mile...
(south) - Monongalia County, West VirginiaMonongalia County, West VirginiaAs of the census of 2000, there were 81,866 people, 33,446 households, and 18,495 families residing in the county. The population density was 227 people per square mile . There were 36,695 housing units at an average density of 102 per square mile...
(southwest) - Greene CountyGreene County, Pennsylvania-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 40,672 people, 15,060 households, and 10,587 families residing in the county. The population density was 71 people per square mile . There were 16,678 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile...
(west) - Washington CountyWashington County, Pennsylvania-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 152,534 registered voters in Washington County .* Democratic: 89,027 * Republican: 49,025 * Other Parties: 14,482...
(northwest)
National protected areas
- Fort Necessity National BattlefieldFort Necessity National BattlefieldFort Necessity National Battlefield is a National Battlefield Site in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States, which preserves elements of the Battle of Fort Necessity...
- Friendship Hill National Historic SiteFriendship Hill National Historic SiteFriendship Hill National Historic Site, maintained by the National Park Service, was the home of early American politician Albert Gallatin. It overlooks the Monongahela River near Point Marion, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, about south of Pittsburgh....
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 Pittsburgh and several of its major suburban areas. Future state highway plans call for the establishment of direct freeway connections with Pittsburgh to the north and Morgantown, West VirginiaMorgantown, West Virginia
Morgantown is a city in Monongalia County, West Virginia. It is the county seat of Monongalia County. Placed along the banks of the Monongahela River, Morgantown is the largest city in North-Central West Virginia, and the base of the Morgantown metropolitan area...
to the south.
U.S. and Pennsylvania Highways
Pennsylvania Route 21Pennsylvania Route 21Pennsylvania Route 21 is a long east–west state highway in the US state of Pennsylvania. The western terminus of the route is at the West Virginia state line in Richhill Township, where PA 21 continues into West Virginia as West Virginia Route 891. The eastern terminus is at U.S. Route 40...
- designated as the Roy E. FurmanRoy E. FurmanRoy E. Furman was the Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 1955 to 1959, and the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House, 1936-1938....
Highway, it serves as one of the main routes through Greene CountyGreene County, Pennsylvania-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 40,672 people, 15,060 households, and 10,587 families residing in the county. The population density was 71 people per square mile . There were 16,678 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile...
, then crosses the Monongahela RiverMonongahela RiverThe Monongahela River is a river on the Allegheny Plateau in north-central West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania in the United States...
in MasontownMasontown, PennsylvaniaMasontown is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. The population was 3,611 at the 2000 census. The town is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District...
and terminates in UniontownUniontown, PennsylvaniaUniontown is a city in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, southeast of Pittsburgh and part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. Population in 1900, 7,344; in 1910, 13,344; in 1920, 15,692; and in 1940, 21,819. The population was 10,372 at the 2010 census...
U.S. Route 40U.S. Route 40U.S. Route 40 is an east–west United States highway. As with most routes whose numbers end in a zero, U.S. 40 once traversed the entire United States. It is one of the original 1920s U.S. Highways, and its first termini were San Francisco, California, and Atlantic City, New Jersey...
- a portion of the famous National Road, it connects in the west with Washington CountyWashington County, Pennsylvania-Government and politics:As of November 2008, there are 152,534 registered voters in Washington County .* Democratic: 89,027 * Republican: 49,025 * Other Parties: 14,482...
and provides access to the Pittsbugh edge suburb of WashingtonWashington, PennsylvaniaWashington is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States, within the Pittsburgh Metro Area in the southwestern part of the state...
; after forming part of a freeway bypass of Uniontown, it becomes a major two lane mountain highway heading toward MarylandMarylandMaryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
Business U.S. Route 40 (Brownsville)Bannered routes of U.S. Route 40-WaKeeney business loop:-Russell business loop:-Brownsville business loop:Business U.S. Route 40 is a -long loop through Redstone Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. While called the Brownsville business loop, it never officially enters the borough, but instead serves some of its associated...
- recent designation for a 1.5 miles (2.4 km) two-lane section of the original path of US 40 that has been replaced by a realigned route; highway runs in its entirety through Redstone Township and was kept as part of the federal highway system to prevent a decrease in traffic for area businesses- Business U.S. Route 40 (Uniontown)- bypassed by a freeway through the more suburbanized areas of the small city, the original routing of US 40 has been turned into this downtown connector; from its western expressway terminus, the route runs as a narrow four-lane street toward the business district, at which its eastbound and westbound lanes split to become East Fayette St and East Main St respectively; the road then continues with a two-lane segment through hilly but populated South Union Township, before ending as US 40's freeway stretch transitions to a mountain climb
Pennsylvania Route 43- part of the Mon-Fayette Expressway, it serves as a toll freeway currently connecting Uniontown to the southern Pittsburgh suburb of Jefferson HillsJefferson Hills, PennsylvaniaJefferson Hills is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. It includes the community of "Large, Pennsylvania". As of the 2010 census the population was 10,619...
, with eventually plans to extend the route to the city limits; to the south, it currently connects with Springhill TownshipSpringhill Township, Fayette County, PennsylvaniaSpringhill Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,974 at the 2000 census. The Albert Gallatin Area School District serves the region....
, and eventually will also provide freeway access to Morgantown, West VirginiaMorgantown, West VirginiaMorgantown is a city in Monongalia County, West Virginia. It is the county seat of Monongalia County. Placed along the banks of the Monongahela River, Morgantown is the largest city in North-Central West Virginia, and the base of the Morgantown metropolitan area...
Pennsylvania Route 51Pennsylvania Route 51Pennsylvania Route 51 is a major state highway in Western Pennsylvania. It runs for from Uniontown to the Ohio state line near Darlington, where it connects with Ohio State Route 14. Route 51 is the termination point for Pennsylvania Route 43, Pennsylvania Route 48 and Pennsylvania Route 88. ...
- provides the major connection between Uniontown and Pittsburgh city limits, which functions as a four-lane route except during its final mile as a major Uniontown city street
Pennsylvania Route 88Pennsylvania Route 88Pennsylvania Route 88 is a long north–south state highway located in southwestern Pennsylvania. The southern terminus of the route is at U.S. Route 119 in Point Marion less than from the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border. The northern terminus is at Pennsylvania Route 51 in Pittsburgh...
- winding riverfront highway that connects Pittsburgh's southern suburbs and the Monongahela Valley, before briefly entering Fayette County to terminate in Port MarionPoint Marion, PennsylvaniaPoint Marion is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,333 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District.Point Marion is located at the confluence of the Monongahela and Cheat Rivers...
U.S. Route 119U.S. Route 119U.S. Route 119, commonly abbreviated as US 119, is a spur of US 19. It is a north–south route that was an original United States highway of 1926. It is often referred to as Corridor G east of US 23 and KY 80 in Kentucky to Interstate 64 at Charleston, West Virginia.- Kentucky :US 119 is a two...
- provides access to Morgantown in the south as a rolling two-lane highway, before becoming Fayette County's main street; serves as part of a freeway bypass of Uniontown, then functions as a four lane route through ConnellsvilleConnellsville, PennsylvaniaConnellsville is a city in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA, 57 miles southeast of Pittsburgh on the Youghiogheny River, a tributary of the Monongahela River. It is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. In 1890, 5,629 people lived in Connellsville, which was a borough at that time...
, before traveling toward the Pittsburgh edge suburb of GreensburgGreensburg, PennsylvaniaGreensburg is a city in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States, and a part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. The city is named after Nathanael Greene, a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War...
Pennsylvania Route 166Pennsylvania Route 166Pennsylvania Route 166 is a north–south state route in Fayette County. It follows the path of the Monongahela River along the entire western border of Fayette County.-Route description:...
- rural connecting route between Point Marion and Brownsville Township, this highway connects small communities along the Lower Monongahela Valley
Pennsylvania Route 201Pennsylvania Route 201Pennsylvania Route 201, designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as State Route 201, is a long south-north state highway located in southeast Pennsylvania in the counties of Fayette and Westmoreland. The southern terminus is at U.S. Route 119/PA 711 in Connellsville...
- its trajectory shaped in almost the figure of an arch, this route provides access between Connellsville and southwestern Westmoreland County, and serves as a major cross-county truck route
Pennsylvania Route 281Pennsylvania Route 281Pennsylvania Route 281 is an long state highway located in Fayette and Somerset counties in Pennsylvania. The southern terminus is the West Virginia state line near Markleysburg...
- rural connecting route the between Maryland border and Somerset CountySomerset County, PennsylvaniaSomerset County is a county located in the state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 77,742. Somerset County was created on April 17, 1795, from part of Bedford County and named for Somerset, United Kingdom. Its county seat is Somerset. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania,...
, this highway also serves tiny MarkleysburgMarkleysburg, PennsylvaniaMarkleysburg is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 282 at the 2000 census. The town is served by the Uniontown Area School District.-Geography:Markleysburg is located at ....
and Henry Clay Township
Pennsylvania Route 381Pennsylvania Route 381Pennsylvania Route 381 is an long state highway located in Fayette, and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania. The southern terminus is the West Virginia state line near Elliottsville, where it continues as Preston County Route 8 to its southern terminus at WV 26 in Brandonville, WV...
- a rural mountain highway between the West Virginia border and Westmoreland CountyWestmoreland County, Pennsylvania-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
, the route runs through the heart of Fayette County's Laurel HighlandsLaurel HighlandsThe Laurel Highlands is a region in southwestern Pennsylvania made up of Fayette County, Somerset County and Westmoreland County. It has a population of about 600,000 people....
region; through the area surrounding Ohiopyle State ParkOhiopyle State ParkOhiopyle State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on in Dunbar, Henry Clay and Stewart Townships, Fayette County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The focal point of the park is the more than of the Youghiogheny River Gorge that passes through the park. The river provides some of the best...
, it is a designated as a scenic route
Pennsylvania Route 653Pennsylvania Route 653Pennsylvania Route 653 is an long state highway located in Fayette and Somerset counties in Pennsylvania. The western terminus is at PA 381 in Springfield Township. The eastern terminus is at US 219 in Garrett.-Fayette County:...
- mountain cut-off highway connecting Springfield TownshipSpringfield Township, Fayette County, PennsylvaniaSpringfield Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,111 at the 2000 census. The Connellsville Area School District serves the township....
with Somerset County; the portion of the route through Laurel Ridge State ParkLaurel Ridge State ParkLaurel Ridge State Park is a Pennsylvania state park that passes through Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is home to the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail that runs through the park from the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the...
is designated as a scenic highway
Pennsylvania Route 711Pennsylvania Route 711Pennsylvania Route 711 is an long, north–south state highway located in Fayette, Westmoreland and Indiana counties in Pennsylvania. The southern terminus is at US 119/PA 201 in Connellsville. The northern terminus is at PA 403 in East Wheatfield Township.-Route description:PA 711 goes by...
- mountain highway terminating in Connellsville and connecting with Westmoreland County, this route is the backbone of the Laurel Highlands
Truck Pennsylvania Route 711Pennsylvania Route 711Pennsylvania Route 711 is an long, north–south state highway located in Fayette, Westmoreland and Indiana counties in Pennsylvania. The southern terminus is at US 119/PA 201 in Connellsville. The northern terminus is at PA 403 in East Wheatfield Township.-Route description:PA 711 goes by...
- bypass of Downtown Connellsville that is partially cosigned with US 119 near its southern terminus and follows somewhat narrow but relatively flat city streets to avoid the hilly city center
Pennsylvania Route 819Pennsylvania Route 819Pennsylvania Route 819 is a long state highway located in Fayette and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania, USA. The southern terminus is at PA 201 in Vanderbilt. The northern terminus is at PA 66 in Oklahoma.-Fayette County:...
- rural access route from VanderbiltVanderbilt, PennsylvaniaVanderbilt is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 553 at the 2000 census. The town is named for the railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt...
to the small Westmoreland County city of Mount PleasantMount Pleasant, PennsylvaniaMount Pleasant is a borough in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It stands 45 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Population in 1900, 4,745 people; in 1910, 5,812 people; and in 1940, 5,824 people...
Pennsylvania Route 857Pennsylvania Route 857Pennsylvania Route 857 is an long state highway located within Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The southern terminus of the route is at the West Virginia state line southeast of Gans in Springhill Township, where the route continues south as County Route 857, a secondary state...
- rural highway running from a freeway exit in South Union Township to the West Virginia border that serves a series of small towns bypassed by Route 43
Pennsylvania Route 906Pennsylvania Route 906Pennsylvania Route 906 is a long state highway located in Fayette, Westmoreland, and Allegheny counties in Pennsylvania. The southern terminus is at PA 201 in Washington Township...
- short, riverfront highway that terminates in Washington TownshipWashington Township, Fayette County, PennsylvaniaWashington Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,461 at the 2000 census.Arnold City, Fairhope, Lynnwood, Pricedale, Gillepsie, Naomi, and Brownstown are area villages.-History:...
, just outside the Fayette CityFayette City, PennsylvaniaFayette City is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 714 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Belle Vernon Area School District....
line; runs through Belle VernonBelle Vernon, PennsylvaniaBelle Vernon is a borough located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania along the Monongahela River. The population was 1,211 at the 2000 census. The town is served by the Belle Vernon Area School District, which is actually centered in Rostraver, Westmoreland County.geographical anomaly: The...
and then serves as the main access route to the Westmoreland County town of MonessenMonessen, PennsylvaniaMonessen is a city in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 8,669 at the 2000 census. In 1940, 20,257 people lived there. In 1990 the population was 13,026. Steel-making was a prominent industry in Monessen, which was a Rust Belt borough in the "Mon Valley" of...
Pennsylvania Route 982Pennsylvania Route 982Pennsylvania Route 982 is a state highway which runs 33 miles across Fayette and Westmoreland counties, in southwestern Pennsylvania. The highway begins at U.S. Route 119 in Moyer, Pennsylvania, and runs northward into Westmoreland County, passing through the towns of Youngstown, Latrobe, and Derry...
- two lane access route connecting Bullskin TownshipBullskin Township, PennsylvaniaBullskin Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 7,782 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Connellsville Area School District....
with the city of LatrobeLatrobe, PennsylvaniaLatrobe is a city in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania in the United States, approximately southeast of Pittsburgh.The city population was 7,634 as of the 2000 census . It is located near the Pennsylvania's scenic Chestnut Ridge. Latrobe was incorporated as a borough in 1854, and as a city in 1999...
in Westmoreland County
Public Transportation
The primary provider of mass transportation within the region is Fayette Area Coordinated TransportationFayette 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...
, which features local bus routes as well as four time-daily commuter service to Pittsburgh. Amtrak
Amtrak
The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
rail service along the Chicago-to-Washington-via-Cleveland Capitol Limited
Capitol Limited (Amtrak)
Amtrak's Capitol Limited is one of the railroad's two routes connecting Washington, D.C. to Chicago, running via Cleveland, Ohio . Service began in 1981 and was named after the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Capitol Limited which ended in 1971 upon the formation of Amtrak...
route stops at Connellsville Station
Connellsville (Amtrak station)
The Connellsville Amtrak station is a train station in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, United States served by Amtrak, the national railroad passenger system.-Train Station History:...
. General aviation services are also provided at the Joseph A. Hardy Connellsville Airport
Joseph A. Hardy Connellsville Airport
Joseph A. Hardy Connellsville Airport is a public-use airport located four nautical miles southwest of the central business district of Connellsville, a city in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is owned by the Fayette County Airport Authority...
.
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, guaranteeing a political split. Each member serves a four-year term.The three current commissioners for Fayette County are Vince Vicities (Democrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
), Vince Zapotosky (Democrat), and Angela Zimmerlink (Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
).
Vicities is the son of a former county commissioner, and worked in the office of the state auditor general and as director of Fayette County Waste Management prior to taking office in 1996. Zapotosky formerly worked as an aide to Congressman Frank Mascara
Frank Mascara
Frank Robert Mascara was a Democratic politician from Pennsylvania who served four terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. He was the uncle of St...
and later was an administrator at Douglas Business School. Zimmerlink previously held a career in real estate.
The Fayette County Court of Common Pleas
Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas
The Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas are the trial courts of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania .The Courts of Common Pleas are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in the state....
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 offences. Current judges are President Judge Gerald R. Solomon, John F. Wagner, Jr., Ralph C. Warman, Steve P. Leskinen, and Nancy Vernon.
Other county officials
- Clerk of Courts, Janice Snyder, Democrat
- Controller, Sean Lally, Democrat
- Coroner, Phillip Reilly, Democrat
- District Attorney, Jack Heneks, Democrat
- Prothonotary, Lance Winterhalter, Democrat
- Recorder of Deeds, Dave Malosky, Democrat
- Register of Wills, Don Redman, Democrat
- Sheriff, Gary Brownfield, Sr., Democrat
- Treasurer, Robert Danko, Democrat
Politics
As of November 2008, there are 91,386 registered voters in Fayette County. http://www.dos.state.pa.us/elections/lib/elections/055_voter_registration_statistics/currentstats/currentvotestats.xls- DemocraticDemocratic Party (United States)The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
: 62,879 (68.81%) - RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
: 21,932 (24.00%) - Other Parties: 6,575 (7.19%)
Fayette County tends to be Democratic-leaning in statewide and national elections. While Democratic politics are entrenched because of a strong union history, the county is generally socially conservative. In 2000, Democrat Al Gore won 57% of the vote and Republican George W. Bush won 40%. In 2004, Democrat John Kerry won 53% of the vote and Republican George W. Bush won 45%. In 2006, Democrat Governor Ed Rendell and Senator Bob Casey, Jr. won 59% and 65% of the vote in Fayette County. In 2008, Fayette County trended Republican and went for Republican John McCain 49.62% over Democrat Barack Obama 49.21%, a difference of 215 votes. In 2010, Republican Governor Tom Corbett
Tom Corbett
Thomas W. Corbett is the 46th and current Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. He is a former Attorney General of Pennsylvania and was elected to that office in 2004 and reelected in 2008...
and Senator Pat Toomey
Pat Toomey
Patrick Joseph "Pat" Toomey, Sr. is the junior United States Senator for Pennsylvania and a member of the Republican Party. Previously, Toomey served as a U.S. Representative for three terms, but did not seek a fourth in compliance with a pledge he had made while running for office in 1998...
won 55% and 50.19% of the vote.
State Representatives
- Pete Daley, Democrat, 49th district
- Bill DeWeeseH. William DeWeeseH. William "Bill" DeWeese, is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and has served as 135th Speaker of the Pennsylvania House in 1993-1994...
, Democrat, 50th district - Tim MahoneyTimothy S. MahoneyTimothy S. Mahoney is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 51st legislative district. He was elected in 2006...
, Democrat, 51st district - Deberah KulaDeberah KulaDeberah Kula is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 52nd legislative district. She was elected in 2006.Prior to her legislative career, Kula served as Magisterial District Judge in North Union Township, Pennsylvania...
, Democrat, 52nd district - Ted HarhaiTed HarhaiTed Harhai is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was first elected on February 3, 1998.-External links:* official PA House website* official Party website...
, Democrat, 58th district - Mike ReeseMike ReeseMike Reese is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He serves on the House Commerce and Children and Youth Committees.-Career:...
, Republican, 59th district
US Representatives
- Bill ShusterBill ShusterWilliam Shuster is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2001. He is a member of the Republican Party. He is a son of former Congressman Bud Shuster.-Early life, education and career:...
, Republican, 9th district - Mark CritzMark CritzMark S. Critz is the U.S. Representative for , serving since the special election in 2010. He is a member of the Democratic Party....
, Democrat, 12th district
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2010, there were 136,606 people, 59,969 households, and 41,198 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
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 95.30% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 3.51% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.11% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.22% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.11% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.73% from two or more races. 0.38% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 19.8% were of German, 13.2% Italian
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
, 11.4% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 9.2% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 8.4% Polish, 7.9% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
and 6.6% Slovak ancestry according to Census 2000.
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
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
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.
A study released in 2009 by PathWays PA, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, found that 35% of families in Fayette County were economically distressed, that is, failing to earn a wage that would adequately provide food, shelter, child care, health care, and other basic necessities.
Municipalities
Boroughs
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Fayette City, Pennsylvania Fayette City is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 714 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Belle Vernon Area School District.... Markleysburg, Pennsylvania Markleysburg is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 282 at the 2000 census. The town is served by the Uniontown Area School District.-Geography:Markleysburg is located at .... Masontown, Pennsylvania Masontown is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. The population was 3,611 at the 2000 census. The town is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District... Newell, Pennsylvania Newell is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 541 at the 2010 census. The town is served by the Frazier School District.-Geography:Newell is located at .... Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania Ohiopyle is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 77 at the 2000 census. While Ohiopyle has a tiny year-round population, it is often filled with tourists on the weekend, who come take advantage of outdoor recreation... |
Perryopolis, Pennsylvania Perryopolis is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,764 at the 2000 census.-History:George Washington purchased here when land first became available. He visited in 1770 and said, "as fine a land as I have ever seen, a great deal of rich meadow; it is well... Point Marion, Pennsylvania Point Marion is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,333 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District.Point Marion is located at the confluence of the Monongahela and Cheat Rivers... Seven Springs, Pennsylvania Seven Springs is a borough in Somerset and Fayette Counties, Pennsylvania. The Somerset County portion of the borough is part of the Johnstown Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the Fayette County portion is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 127 at the 2000... Smithfield, Pennsylvania Smithfield is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 854 at the 2000 census. It is served by the Albert Gallatin Area School District. The town's largest employer is a small wire producing plant run by Nelson Steel.... South Connellsville, Pennsylvania South Connellsville is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,281 at the 2000 census.-Geography:South Connellsville is located at .... Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania Vanderbilt is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 553 at the 2000 census. The town is named for the railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt... |
Townships
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Jefferson Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Jefferson Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,259 at the 2000 census. It is named for former president Thomas Jefferson, and many of the township's streets are named after other U.S. presidents... Menallen Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Menallen Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area. The population was 4,644 at the 2000 census... Nicholson Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Nicholson Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The population was 1,989 at the 2000 census. The Albert Gallatin Area School District serves the township.... North Union Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania North Union Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 14,140 at the 2000 census. The Laurel Highlands School District serves the township.... Perry Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Perry Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,786 at the 2000 census. The Frazier School District serves the township.... |
Springfield Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Springfield Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,111 at the 2000 census. The Connellsville Area School District serves the township.... Springhill Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Springhill Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,974 at the 2000 census. The Albert Gallatin Area School District serves the region.... Washington Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Washington Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,461 at the 2000 census.Arnold City, Fairhope, Lynnwood, Pricedale, Gillepsie, Naomi, and Brownstown are area villages.-History:... Wharton Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania Wharton Township is a township in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,145 at the 2000 census. The Uniontown Area School District serves the region.... |
Census-designated places
Census-designated placeCensus-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
s are geographical areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
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.
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Hopwood, Pennsylvania Hopwood is a census-designated place in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,006 at the 2000 census. It is located in South Union Township... Leith-Hatfield, Pennsylvania Leith-Hatfield is a census-designated place in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,820 at the 2000 census. The twin villages of Leith and Hatfield are located in South Union Township.-Geography:... Lynnwood-Pricedale, Pennsylvania Lynnwood-Pricedale is a census-designated place in Fayette and Westmoreland counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The population was 2,168 at the 2000 census... |
New Salem-Buffington, Pennsylvania New Salem-Buffington is a census-designated place in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States and part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area. The population was 808 at the 2000 census... Oliver, Pennsylvania Oliver is a census-designated place in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,925 at the 2000 census. Oliver is located in North Union Township.-Geography:Oliver is located at .... Republic, Pennsylvania Republic is a census-designated place in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,396 at the 2000 census. Republic is found in Redstone Township.Republic is like Brownsville, PA but still has a handful of buisnesses.... |
Wickhaven, Pennsylvania Wickhaven is a populated place in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. Wickhaven is located along Pennsylvania Route 51. It is 965 feet above sea level.-Geography:Wickhaven is located at .... |
Public School Districts
- Albert Gallatin Area School DistrictAlbert Gallatin Area School DistrictThe Albert Gallatin Area School District is a school district located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It is named after Albert Gallatin former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, planner of the Lewis and Clark expedition, engineer of the financial details of the Louisiana Purchase, and founder of New...
- Belle Vernon Area School DistrictBelle Vernon Area School District-Geography:Located southeast of Pittsburgh in rural Westmoreland and Fayette County, the Belle Vernon Area School District has a population as of 2000 of 20,127 residing in five political subdivisions: Washington Township, Fayette City, North Belle Vernon, Belle Vernon, and Rostraver Township. The...
(also in Westmoreland County) - Brownsville Area School DistrictBrownsville Area School DistrictThe Brownsville Area School District spans portions of two counties. In Fayette County, Pennsylvania it covers the Borough of Brownsville and Brownsville Township, Luzerne Township and Redstone Township in Fayette County. In Washington County, Pennsylvania it covers the Borough of West...
(also in Washington County) - Connellsville Area School DistrictConnellsville Area School DistrictThe Connellsville Area School District covers the City of Connellsville, the Boroughs of Dawson, Dunbar, Ohiopyle, Seven Springs, South Connellsville and Vanderbilt and Bullskin Township, Connellsville Township, Dunbar Township, Saltlick Township, Springfield Township and Stewart Township in...
- Frazier School DistrictFrazier School DistrictThe Frazier School District is a small public 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 Lower Tyrone....
- Laurel Highlands School DistrictLaurel Highlands School DistrictLaurel Highlands School District is a school district located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It serves North and South Union Townships. The current superintendent is Dr. Gary Brain. District enrollment is 3591.-Creation of LHSD:...
- Southmoreland School DistrictSouthmoreland School DistrictSouthmoreland School District is a public school district serving Fayette County, Pennsylvania and Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The boroughs of Scottdale and Everson, as well as the townships of East Huntington and Upper Tyrone are within district boundaries.-Schools:-Sports...
(also in Westmoreland County) - Uniontown Area School DistrictUniontown Area School DistrictUniontown Area School District is a highly fragmented school district located in Uniontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It serves the city of Uniontown and the boroughs of Ohiopyle, and Markleysburg. It also serves Wharton, Henry Clay, Menallen, Franklin, and Stewart townships. The district...
Private Schools
- All Saints Regional School - Masontown
- 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 SchoolGeibel Catholic High SchoolGeibel Catholic High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg.-History:...
- 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
- St Mary (Nativity) School - Uniontown
- Verna Montessori School - Prittstown
Fixtures
- Fort Necessity is a reconstructed historic stockade that was originally built by George WashingtonGeorge WashingtonGeorge Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
to defend against an attack during the French and Indian WarFrench and Indian WarThe French and Indian War is the common American name for the war between Great Britain and France in North America from 1754 to 1763. In 1756, the war erupted into the world-wide conflict known as the Seven Years' War and thus came to be regarded as the North American theater of that war...
. Washington's loss at Fort Necessity was the only blemish on his military record. 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 National RoadNational RoadThe National Road or Cumberland Road was the first major improved highway in the United States to be built by the federal government. Construction began heading west in 1811 at Cumberland, Maryland, on the Potomac River. It crossed the Allegheny Mountains and southwestern Pennsylvania, reaching...
(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, IllinoisVandalia, IllinoisVandalia is a city in Fayette County, Illinois, United States, northeast of St. Louis, on the Kaskaskia River. From 1819 to 1839 it served as the state capital of Illinois. Vandalia was the western terminus of the National Road. Today it is the county seat of Fayette County and the home of the...
. 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 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.
- FallingwaterFallingwaterFallingwater or Kaufmann Residence is a house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935 in rural southwestern Pennsylvania, 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh...
, architect Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous home, is located atop a flowing waterfall in Stewart Township. His lesser known but equally impressive Kentuck KnobKentuck KnobKentuck Knob, also known as the Hagan House, is a residence designed by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in rural Stewart Township near the village of Chalk Hill, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA, about southeast of Pittsburgh...
is also located within the same municipality. - Friendship Hill, the home of the little known but highly influential early 19th Century political figure Albert GallatinAlbert GallatinAbraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin was a Swiss-American ethnologist, linguist, politician, diplomat, congressman, and the longest-serving United States Secretary of the Treasury. In 1831, he founded the University of the City of New York...
, is maintained as a National Historic Site. - Fayette County's southern border is adorned with plaques that mark its significance as part of the Mason-Dixon LineMason-Dixon lineThe Mason–Dixon Line was surveyed between 1763 and 1767 by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in the resolution of a border dispute between British colonies in Colonial America. It forms a demarcation line among four U.S. states, forming part of the borders of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and...
- A collection of waterfalls surrounding the Youghiogheny RiverYoughiogheny RiverThe Youghiogheny River , or the Yough for short, is a tributary of the Monongahela River in the U.S. states of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania...
Gorge are protected as part of Ohiopyle State ParkOhiopyle State ParkOhiopyle State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on in Dunbar, Henry Clay and Stewart Townships, Fayette County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The focal point of the park is the more than of the Youghiogheny River Gorge that passes through the park. The river provides some of the best...
. - Laurel Ridge State ParkLaurel Ridge State ParkLaurel Ridge State Park is a Pennsylvania state park that passes through Cambria, Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is home to the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail that runs through the park from the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the...
contains an extensive hiking trail that traverses much of Pennsylvania's Appalachian foothills. - The county contains the largest cave in Pennsylvania, Laurel CavernsLaurel CavernsLaurel Caverns, formerly known as Dulaney's Cave and Laurel Hill Cave, is the largest cave in Pennsylvania. Located in Farmington, Pennsylvania; it sits on Chestnut Ridge near Uniontown, about southeast of Pittsburgh....
, 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 RailroadUnderground RailroadThe Underground Railroad was an informal network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19th-century black slaves in the United States to escape to free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause. The term is also applied to the abolitionists,...
. - The prestigious Nemacolin Woodlands ResortNemacolin Woodlands ResortThe Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is a resort in Farmington, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The resort is currently owned by Maggie Hardy Magerko, president of the 84 Lumber Company, and was founded by Joseph Hardy.-History:...
is located in rural Wharton Township. It features a five star hotel and has received a license for a slots casino. - Mountainous western Fayette County is home to the Seven Springs Mountain ResortSeven Springs Mountain ResortSeven Springs Mountain Resort is an all season resort located in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania. The resort is officially listed in the borough of Seven Springs but some sources still list it as Champion, as it previously was. It has a fairly high elevation for a Pennsylvania ski area, at 3001 feet...
, which is the premier skiing destination for Greater Pittsburgh.
Notable Fayette Countians
- John Dickson CarrJohn Dickson CarrJohn Dickson Carr was an American author of detective stories, who also published under the pen names Carter Dickson, Carr Dickson and Roger Fairbairn....
, mystery writer and three time Edgar Allan Poe Award winner - Vinnie ColaiutaVinnie ColaiutaVincent Colaiuta is an American drummer based in Los Angeles. Originally from Republic, Pennsylvania, he began playing drums as a child and received his first full drum kit from his parents at the age of 14...
, world-renowned session and band drummer for a wide range of jazz, fusion, rock, funk, post bop, and other musical performers and groups - Ernie DavisErnie DavisErnest "Ernie" Davis was an American football running back and the first African-American athlete to win the Heisman Trophy. Wearing number 44, Davis competed collegiately for Syracuse University before being drafted by the Washington Redskins, then almost immediately traded to the Cleveland...
, 1961 Heisman TrophyHeisman TrophyThe Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
Winner - FabianFabian (entertainer)Fabiano Anthony Forte , known as Fabian, is an American teen idol of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He rose to national prominence after performing several times on American Bandstand. Eleven of his songs reached the Billboard Hot 100 listing.-Early life:Fabian was the son of Josephine and Domenic...
, 1960s pop musician - Albert GallatinAlbert GallatinAbraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin was a Swiss-American ethnologist, linguist, politician, diplomat, congressman, and the longest-serving United States Secretary of the Treasury. In 1831, he founded the University of the City of New York...
, Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. House Majority leader, and founder of New York UniversityNew York UniversityNew York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan... - Joe Hardy, founder of 84 Lumber84 Lumber84 Lumber is an American building materials chain. 84 Lumber Company is the largest privately held building materials supplier to professional contractors in the country. Headquartered in the Pittsburgh Metro Area town of Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, it was founded in 1956 by Joseph Hardy...
, one of the country's largest privately owned companies - Philander C. KnoxPhilander C. KnoxPhilander Chase Knox was an American lawyer and politician who served as United States Attorney General , a Senator from Pennsylvania and Secretary of State ....
, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and U.S. Attorney General - Johnny LujackJohnny LujackJohn Christopher Lujack Jr. is a former American football quarterback and 1947 Heisman Trophy winner.Lujack was born on January 4, 1925, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. He played college football for the University of Notre Dame, and professionally for the Chicago Bears. Lujack was the first of...
, 1947 Heisman Trophy Winner - George C. Marshall, 1953 Nobel Peace PrizeNobel Peace PrizeThe Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.-Background:According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize shall be awarded to the person who...
Winner, Secretary of State, World War II Supreme Allied Commander, and author of the Marshall PlanMarshall PlanThe Marshall Plan was the large-scale American program to aid Europe where the United States gave monetary support to help rebuild European economies after the end of World War II in order to combat the spread of Soviet communism. The plan was in operation for four years beginning in April 1948... - Terry MulhollandTerry MulhollandTerence John Mulholland is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He threw left-handed and batted right-handed.-Early and personal life:...
, former Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the... - Chuck MuncieChuck MuncieHarry Vance "Chuck" Muncie is a former American football running back who played for the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League from 1976 to 1984...
, former NFL running backRunning backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running... - Tamora PierceTamora PierceTamora Pierce is an author of fantasy literature for young adults. She is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania. Best known for writing stories involving young heroines, she made a name for herself with her first quartet The Song of the Lioness, which followed the main character Alanna...
, fantasy writer - Edwin S. PorterEdwin S. PorterEdwin Stanton Porter was an American early film pioneer, most famous as a director with Thomas Edison's company...
, film pioneer and director of The Great Train RobberyThe Great Train Robbery (1903 film)The Great Train Robbery is a 1903 American action Western film by Edwin S. Porter. Twelve minutes long, it is considered a milestone in film making, expanding on Porter's previous work Life of an American Fireman. The film used a number of innovative techniques including cross cutting, double... - Henry Miller ShreveHenry Miller ShreveHenry Miller Shreve was the American inventor and steamboat captain who opened the Mississippi, Ohio and Red rivers to steamboat navigation. Shreveport, Louisiana, is named in his honor....
, pioneering captain who opened the Mississippi RiverMississippi RiverThe Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
to steamboat navigation - Saul SwimmerSaul SwimmerSaul Swimmer was an American documentary film director and producer best known for the movie The Concert for Bangladesh , the George Harrison-led Madison Square Garden show that was one of the first all-star benefits in rock music...
, documentary film maker best known for The Concert For BangladeshThe Concert for BangladeshThe Concert for Bangladesh was the name for two benefit concerts organised by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, held at noon and at 7 PM on August 1, 1971, playing to a total of 40,000 people at Madison Square Garden in New York City...
; co-producer of The BeatlesThe BeatlesThe Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
' Let It BeLet It Be (album)Let It Be is the 12th and final studio album released by the English rock band The Beatles. It was released on 8 May 1970 by the band's Apple Records label shortly after the group announced their break-up.... - Sandy StephensSandy StephensSanford Emory Stephens II was an African-American football player and civic leader. Stephens was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area city of Uniontown, Pennsylvania and is best known for his career as a college football quarterback at the University of Minnesota...
, the first African American quarterback for the University of MinnesotaUniversity of MinnesotaThe University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system and has the fourth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 52,557...
Golden Gophers, was born in Uniontown. - Tory EppsTory EppsTory Epps was an American football defensive tackle in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons, the Chicago Bears, and the New Orleans Saints. He also played in the Arena Football League for the Tampa Bay Storm. He played college football at Memphis State University. Epps died of a...
, former NFL defensive lineman for the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and New Orleans SaintsNew Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
, was born and raised in Uniontown. - Jim BraxtonJim BraxtonJames Robert Braxton was a professional American football fullback in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.-Collegiate career:...
, All American at West VirginiaWest VirginiaWest Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
and former NFL running back for the Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
was born and raised in Vanderbilt, Pa.
See also
- List of municipal authorities in Fayette County, Pennsylvania
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Fayette County, Pennsylvania