Historical Marker
Fayette County
Historical marker location:
Lexington, Kentucky
( Main St., Courthouse lawn, Lexington)
One of three original counties formed when Kentucky Co., Va., was divided by Va. act in 1780. Included area north and east of Ky. River, 37 present-day counties and parts of 7 others. Reduced to its present boundaries 1799. Named for Marquis de Lafayette, French champion of liberty, who came to America in 1777 to assist with our war for independence.
During the Civil War, Kentucky was officially neutral, but the state was divided in its loyalties, with many citizens fighting on both sides of the conflict.