Historical Markers in
Fayette County, Pennsylvania

A Secret Grave Albert Gallatin Albert Gallatin Alliance Furnace America's First Iron Puddling Furnace Benjamin Wells Braddock Park Braddock Road Braddock Road Braddock Road Braddock Road Braddock's Military Road 1755 Great Swamp Camp Braddock's Twelfth Camp Braddock’s Grave Brashear House British Defenses Brownsville Brownsville - Route 40 Bridge Building Fort Necessity Chestnut Ridge Civilian Conservation Corps at Fort Necessity Coke Ovens Col. William Crawford Colonel William Crawford Connellsville Connellsville Coke Connellsville Coke Region Connellsville Memorial Bridge Connellsville War Memorial Do you measure up in Washington's Army? / Are you dressed for the campaign? Dunlap’s Creek Bridge Edwin S. Porter Fallingwater Fallingwater Fayette Campus Finial from One, Poultry, London EC4, 1870 First Roads to the West Fort Mason Fort Necessity Fort Necessity Fort Necessity Fort Necessity National Battlefield Friendship Hill George C. Marshall George C. Marshall Gist's Plantation Great Crossings Home of Colonel William Crawford Honor Roll James Finley K6 Telephone Kiosk 1935 Kentuck Knob Masontown United Methodist Church Fire Meason House Mount Washington Tavern Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church National Road National Road National Road Old Glassworks Old West School House Ore Mines Drill Penn-Craft Philander Knox Redstone Old Fort Road to Disaster Searight’s Tollhouse Sophia Allegre Gallatin Steamboat Enterprise/Boatbuilding Center Stone Cistern Surrender Negotiations The First Cast Iron Bridge The French Attack The Great Meadows The Great Meadows Campaign The National Road The Old Braddock Road The Polo Player The Remains of the Beehive Coke Ovens Toll House Trail Information Underground Railroad Uniontown War Memorial Washington-Braddock Road 1754-55 Rock Fort Camp Washington’s Spring Washington–Braddock Road 1754–1756 World War II Connellsville Canteen
The first zoo in America was established in Philadelphia in 1874.
Fayette County, Pennsylvania has a rich history that dates back to precolonial times. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Shawnee, and Iroquois, who relied on the fertile lands and abundant resources of the area for their livelihoods. European settlement began in the 18th century, with English and Scottish immigrants migrating to the region.

During the American Revolution, Fayette County played a significant role as a strategic location. The area was a contested region, witnessing various clashes between American and British forces. Notably, the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777, one of the largest battles of the war, took place partly in what is now Fayette County.

The early 19th century brought industrialization to Fayette County, driven by its vast coal and coke deposits. The county became a major producer of coal and coke, attracting numerous immigrants seeking employment in the booming mining and steel industries. Towns like Uniontown and Connellsville grew rapidly, becoming central hubs for coal mining and related industries.

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Fayette County experienced both economic booms and challenging times. The decline of the coal industry in the mid-20th century led to a period of economic decline, with many mines closing and communities facing significant challenges. However, recent decades have seen efforts to diversify the economy and revitalize the region through the development of tourism, recreation, and small businesses.

Today, Fayette County continues to embrace its historical roots while adapting to changing times. Visitors can explore the rich history of the area through numerous historical landmarks, including Fort Necessity, Braddock's Grave, and various museums. Additionally, the county is known for its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and boating along the Youghiogheny River and Laurel Highlands.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1754: The area that is now Fayette County is explored by Christopher Gist, an agent for the Ohio Company
  • 1755: Fort Necessity is built by George Washington during the French and Indian War
  • 1783: Fayette County is officially created from part of Westmoreland County
  • 1793: The town of Uniontown, the county seat, is founded
  • 1831: The National Road is completed, passing through Fayette County and contributing to its economic growth
  • 1861-1865: Fayette County sends soldiers to fight in the American Civil War
  • 1944-1945: The Belle Vernon Area School District is formed through the consolidation of several smaller school districts
  • 1962: The construction of the Youghiogheny Dam and Reservoir is completed, providing flood control and recreational opportunities
  • 1979: The "Whiskey Rebellion" monument is dedicated in commemoration of the 1794 tax protest in Fayette County
  • 1992: The Great Allegheny Passage, a hiking and biking trail, opens in Fayette County