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When Fayette County was established in 1837, it was the largest county in the world. Today, Fayette is one of the 10 largest counties in Iowa, covering 720 square miles. The county was named by the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature in honor of Marquis d' Lafayette, who was a Frenchman that served with General Washington. |
In 1848, the Winnebago Indians were removed and the restrictions on settlement were lifted. Several pioneer land seekers came to the area, many of them built new towns. One of those settlers was named William Wells.
In 1850, a census showed a population of 825 in Fayette County, which allowed for the organization of civil government. In 1849, William Wells chose an area to develop a town, which he named West Union. In 1851, West Union was chosen as the county seat, which it remains today. The first courthouse was built here by the first county judge, Jacob W. Rogers. It burned to the ground in 1874. The present courthouse was built to take the place of the modern structure that burned in 1922. The present structure is made of gray stone, three stories high, with marble and brass interior. It is considered to be one of the finest courthouses in the Midwest. The first religious services were held in September 1849 at the home of Rev. John Hinman of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first store was opened in September 7th, 1849 and the first rival store and hotel was opened in the summer of 1850.
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Jacob W. Rogers made many firsts in the history of West Union. The postal service was established on January 29, 1850 and the first postmaster was Jacob W. Rogers. He was also the first county clerk and was appointed the first county judge in August of 1857. He served for 4 years, after which he joined the army and was elected to be captain of the Co. F., 38th Iowa Inf. The Rogers were also the first family to bring a new child into the city of West Union. |
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The first bank was open by S.B. Zeigler in April of 1866, but the first permanent bank was open by the Fayette County National Bank in 1874, which is the present First National Bank.
The first pavement was brick that was laid on Vine Street in 1914. Other streets were paved in 1922.
West Union was not officially incorporated until 1866 when H.N. Hawkins became the first Mayor.
West Union has an illustrious past history and a present reputation for excellence in tourism, commercial development, and industrial development.
