Over 50 New Tiles Tell the Tale of Fayette County

Did you know that Fayette County was the first county in Texas to scatter wildflower seeds on highway roadsides, use rural addressing for 911 services and develop a county-wide recycling program? Well if you didn’t then the next time you happen to be around the courthouse, stop, look down and you may see something you haven’t notice before, “History Squares.” Also called the Fayette County Walk of History, more than 50 squares surround the courthouse telling the history of Fayette County.

The squares starting at the main entrance and going clockwise begin in the 1500s to current times tell how Fayette County first got its start and the growth and changes the county has made over the years. “This whole thing was a long time in the making idea from former County Judge Ed Janecka,” said Pct. 1 Commissioner Jason McBroom. “He saw what other counties were doing to commemorate their history and wanted to do something for our county.” McBroom, one of the commissioners who helped lay the squares, said the process started in 2018 and has taken about a year and a half with weather permitting, and there is still one last square to still be filled which McBroom hopes to have filled soon. That one gives thanks to the team that helped with creating the walk, like Stolz Memorials who donated the titles and did the engraving, and the Fayette County Historical Commission who compiled all the historical events.

Fayette County Historical Commission Chair Bobbie Nash said, “The Fayette County Historical Commission was proud to be a part of the development of the History Walk around the Fayette County Courthouse because it brings some of the most important aspects of the county history to the public in an easy to follow timeline.” Nash continued, “Studying history enables us to develop a better understanding of the world in which we live. Building knowledge and understanding of historical events and trends, especially over the past century, enables us to develop a much greater appreciation for current events today.”

McBroom added, “The walk is a great thing for visitors to do and even for locals because once you know they are there you may just be surprised to see how many people are stopping to read them.” Along with the Walk of History and the recent historical marker dedication at the Texas Heroes Museum, Fayette County is continuing to showcase its history and preserve it. Judge Weber said, “We are continuing to make improvements to the county. As a matter of fact, right now we are working on some roof maintenance at the courthouse.”

So now that you know of the Walk of History walk on over to the courthouse and take a walk on the history side of things. You just never know what interesting fact you will discover.