Wednesday, August 20, 2003
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Wednesday, August 20, 2003 |
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Fayette across America the final chapter By MICHAEL
BOYLAN This is the last installment of the virtual road trip to all of the Fayette Counties in the United States. Last week we left off in Fayette County, Indiana, where there was not that much to do. This week, we will travel from Indiana to Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Tennessee. The trip from Indiana to Ohio is not very long. Take US-50 E 65 miles, merge onto I-275 North for 34 miles and take I-71 N exit 49 to Columbus for 48 miles. From there take US-35 to exit 65 and you are in Fayette County, Ohio. Fayette County, Ohio, was established in 1810 and currently has a population of 28,241 people. The county has 407 square miles and 69.9 people per square mile. Among the sites to visit are Eyman Park, which features the #2776 Steam Locomotive, the Fayette County Historical Museum, Towne Centre Park, which features a mural by Harry Ahysen and the Judy Memorial Chapel in Washington Cemetery. There are also outlets in Jeffersonville, the Roller Haven Fun Center and games played by the Central Ohio Lions, a semipro football team. Fayette County, Ohio, has had some famous people as residents, including artist Archibald M. Willard, who painted the Spirit of 1776 and Benjamin O. Davis, the first African-American general. It appears to be a good area to poke around in and find your own adventures. When you're ready to leave, take US-62/OH-3 to OH-238, which eventually becomes OH-38. Merge on to I-71 N for 26 miles and then merge on to I-270 E- Exit 101 towards Wheeling. Take I-70/US-40 exit #41 towards Columbus/Wheeling and merge on to I-70 E toward Wheeling for 168 miles. When you get to the PA-43 Turnpikes, take exit 37 to California and merge on to US-40 E. You are now in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. According to the most recent census figures, 147,367 people in live in Fayette County, Penn., which is part of the metro area of Pittsburgh. The area covers 790 square miles and there are 188 people per square mile. There is a lot to do in the area, which is made up of numerous townships and boroughs. One borough is known as Lower Tyrone, while another is known as Fayette City. Coincidence? Yes, most likely. Among the cool things to check out when you are in this neck of the woods are two Frank Lloyd Wright creations, Hagan House at Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater. These architectural masterpieces were created late in Wright's career but are marvels as they both incorporate the natural landscape into the architecture. Other things to visit are the Steamboat Museum, Fort Necessity, which is famous for being the site of George Washington's first military campaign during the French-Indian War, Laurel Caverns and Friendship Hill National Historic Site. Strangely enough, one of the more popular annual events is the Peach Festival, which takes place each August. Another popular festival is the Chili Cook-Off in September, held one month before our own, and the Mountain Harvest Festival. There is a lot to do around Fayette County, Pennsylvania and you can also visit Pittsburgh, which is a short car ride away. To leave Pennsylvania and head to West Virginia, take US-40/National Pike to US-119 S, which becomes CR-857 N. Merge on to I-68 W toward I-79 and then merge on to I-79 S for 92 miles. Take Exit 57 - Somersville/Beckley for 57 miles and you will be in Fayette County, West Virginia. Founded in 1831 and once again named for Gen. Lafayette, Fayette County, West Virginia is an area that was built on the coal mining and lumbering industries. Fayetteville is the county seat and the county houses 46,785 people, according to the last census. It is made up of the cities and towns of Ansted, Edmond, Fayetteville, Gowley Bridge, Hico, Lansing, Montgomery, Mt. Hope, Oak Hill and Smithers (fans of "The Simpsons" could take a picture by the sign entering that town). There is a lot of white water rafting available in the area, featuring rapids that vary from Class I to Class VI. It also features the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the second highest bridge in the country. Each year, on the third Saturday in October, there is the annual Bridge Day festival. People can rapell below the bridge, walk across the bridge, listen to music and peruse arts and crafts booths. The Oak Leaf Festival, which takes place Labor Day weekend, is also popular. People looking for good hiking areas should visit Hawks Nest State Park or Babcock State Park. Other attractions include Thurmond Depot, a ghost town, Dirty Ernie's Rib Pit or the Mystery Hole, a tourist attraction where gravity is defied and mysteries abound. Now for the final stop: Fayette County, Tenn. This is a long trip. Take US-19 S to I-64 E/I-77 S for 73 miles. Merge on to I-81 S for 148 miles and then merge on to I-40 W for 379 miles. Take TN-222 exit 42 and you are there. Established in 1824, Fayette County, Tenn., consists of 705 square miles and houses 31,441 people. The county seat is Somerville and other cities and towns in the county are LaGrange (seeing a trend?) Macon, Moscow, Oakland, Piperton and Laconia, among others. There is not much going on in Fayette County, Tenn., except for the Octoberfest celebrations in Oakland and the Spring Music festival in Somerville. There is a historic homes tour through Somerville, canoe trips in Moscow and one could stop in at Cogbill's Store and Museum in the LaGrange Historic District, but why would you want to? By now, if you're like me, you're tired and you want to sleep in your own bed in the best Fayette County there is - Fayette County, Georgia. As for how to get there? Ask someone at Cogbill's Store and Museum. He'll sell you a map and spin you a yarn or two about the good old days. Smile politely, beg off and drive as fast as you can.
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