Fayette County, West Virginia
Fayette County has plenty of it. Located in southern West Virginia, the county is home to the famous New River Gorge Bridge, an incredible landmark surrounded by opportunities for rock climbing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and more.
The entire area feels like an outdoor playground, but Fayette County has plenty of history to go along with the scenery. Coal mining played a major role in shaping the region, and reminders of that past can still be found throughout the county.
The people here are known for their resilience, having weathered plenty of economic ups and downs over the years. Fayetteville, the county seat, adds a lively and creative touch with its arts scene, local restaurants, and welcoming atmosphere. Then there’s Bridge Day, an annual event that turns the gorge into one seriously wild celebration.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Fayette County |
| County Seat | Fayetteville |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Fayetteville, Oak Hill, Montgomery, Ansted, Mount Hope |
| Interstates and Highways | US-19, US-60, WV-16, WV-61 |
| Etymology | Named after Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolutionary War |
| FIPS Code | 54-019 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 668 sq mi (Land: 662 sq mi; Water: 6 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 38.0617° N, 81.0755° W |
| Major Landmarks | New River Gorge Bridge, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Babcock State Park |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Nicholas County (North), Greenbrier County (East), Summers County (Southeast), Raleigh County (South), Kanawha County (West) |
| Population | Approximately 42,000 |
