Fayette, with a population of 1351 (2000 census), is surrounded by scenic beauty, historical places and recreational areas which include the Volga River winding through the heart of town, Klock's Island Park and Big Rock Country Club.
The town of Fayette was platted by Samuel H. Robertson in January 1855. In May of the same year, construction began on College Hall (now Alexander-Dickman), the original building of Upper Iowa University (National Register of Historic Places). Upper Iowa is presently the fastest growing, private, co-educational liberal arts university in Iowa offering Bachelor and Master degree programs. UIU is only one of three universities to offer a three-year bachelor degree program in the United States and the first to do so west of the Mississippi.
Fayette was incorporated in 1874 and the first town council meeting was held April 21 of that year. The City government consists of a mayor and five council members. A history of past councils can be read in this PDF document. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
Fayette has been honored with a citation as "Tree City USA" for 16 consecutive years. An active Tree Board has undertaken a program of planting in the parks and city right-of -ways, and providing trees at a discount to citizens wishing to plant on private property in an effort to replace trees damaged or destroyed by storms.
Fayette school consolidated with West Union and Hawkeye on July 1, 1984 to form North Fayette Community Schools. An elementary school with grades kindergarten through fifth grade remains in Fayette. Rainbow Land daycare and preschool facility opened its new facility near the elementary school in 2000.
There are six churches in Fayette: the Grace Lutheran Church, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Fayette Community (Wesleyan) Church, United Methodist Church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, and NE Iowa Abundant Life Christian Fellowship. To further serve the needs of its citizens, Fayette has a Police Department, Fire Department, Ambulance Service, a public library and a modern water and sewer treatment system. Other important needs are met by the medical clinic, a dental clinic, a chiropractic clinc and veterinarians. Nursing home care is provided at Maple Crest Manor.
Fayette is fortunate to have its very own benefactor, David F. Bolger. Mr. Bolger is a well-known businessman from New Jersey who came to Fayette in 1975 on a visit and fell in love with the town and its citizens. Over the ensuing years, Mr. Bolger has made many financial contributions to Fayette to make it a better place to live. Mr. Bolger holds the title of Honorary Mayor of Fayette and is held in high esteem in the hearts of the town's citizens.
In 1999 Fayette celebrated its 125 year anniversary with Volga River Days. In 2003 the community's traditional Watermelon Day celebration will be held August 23, and 24. Many activities have been planned.
Fayette has a proud history since its founding. It is symbolic of the small, rural towns where tradition and culture still survive and it will continue to serve future generations as well as it has in the past. At a time when the nation's youth are facing a difficult and dangerous world to live in, Fayette remains a beacon of shelter and safety. Children can go to playgrounds unescorted and feel safe in school. Parents do not have constant worry about drugs, guns and crime because Fayette retains that small-town atmosphere.
Here's how to contact us.
Return to Fayette menu page:
(frames version) / (no frames version)