South Fayette marks 180th birthday

A brief history of South Fayette

Township named for Revolutionary War hero Lafayette

By Andrea Iglar

South Fayette Township has a rich heritage and a bright future.

Officially established on March 16, 1842, the community is named for Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), a French general who served the United States in the American Revolution.

General Lafayette is celebrated for his support of representative government and his contributions to the achievement of American independence.

General Lafayette

The area that is known today as South Fayette Township originally was claimed by both Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to the history book "Images of America: South Fayette Township" (Arcadia Publishing, 2015), written by Charlotte Smith on behalf of the Historical Society of South Fayette Township.

In 1788, the area became part of Moon Township, one of the seven townships in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Two years later, Fayette Township was carved out of Moon Township.

Finally, in 1842, Fayette Township was divided into two townships—North Fayette and South Fayette.

In celebration of South Fayette's 175th anniversary in 2017, the township held a variety of events throughout the year. A time capsule, buried in Preservation Park, will be unearthed in 2042 to mark the community's bicentennial.

The South Fayette historical society, established in 2004, works to preserve community history.

Formerly a farming and mining town, South Fayette today takes pride in being "A Community Growing Together."

South Fayette's population was 18,358 in the 2020 Census, a 27.3% increase over a decade. A quarter of the population is under age 18.

The community's certified real estate value, including commercial and residential properties, exceeds $1.8 billion.

The history book dedication alludes to the importance of history and progress in the community: "To the residents of South Fayette Township, your past was remarkable, your present is always developing, and your future is limitless."

More South Fayette history: southfayettepa.com/history.