Perryopolis

Fayette County's Perryopolis has a unique history.  The town's history can be traced to George Washington and his purchase 1644 acres of land in 1769.  Washington found the area perfect for a grist mill which was constructed and began operation in 1776.  Over a decade later in 1789, Washington leased portions of his land and the mill to Colonel Israel Shreve.  When both Washington and Shreve died in 1799, the land would be subdivided and sold.

The layout of Perryopolis (Madalyn Linderman/Perryopolis.com)

Originally known as New Boston, the layout of Perryopolis would take shape in 1814.  Renamed Perryopolis after War of 1812 hero, Oliver Hazard Perry, the town's layout is in the shape of a wagon wheel.   The hub of the layout is known as Washington Square which to this day remains the center of town.

Perryopolis would grow as the main town and marketplace for a number of the local farmers and grist mills in the early-mid 1800s.  As the 19th century continued, coal and coke became the drivers of the local economy.  Interestingly, it was not until 1953 that the Borough of Perryopolis was incorporated - being carved out of Perry Township.

Perryopolis is home to a number of historic buildings some of which date to the early years of the town.  The Youghiogheny Bank of Pennsylvania building - a one store sandstone structure built in 1817 - is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The bank which is considered the first bank west of the Alleghenies is now home to a local museum.

The Karolick Building, opened in 1921, sits just to the south of Washington Square on Liberty Street.  The two story building once housed a theatre, bowling alley, small grocery store, meeting room and apartments.  Today, the building is home to a variety of businesses.  The Karolick Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

Further south on Liberty Street sits Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church.   Formed in 1912, the church would hold services in its basement until completed in 1918 where the first service was held within the completed church on Easter Sunday. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1997.

Approaching Washington Square and Downtown Perryopolis

All photos taken by post author - December 24, 2009 unless otherwise noted.

How To Get There:

Downtown Perryopolis sits just east of PA 51.  It can be reached via a left turn (PA 51 South) or right (PA 51 North) at the traffic light at Independence Street.