Advantageous natural resources are what led Fayette Brown, a manager of the Jackson Iron Company, to select the site and begin building the town in late 1860s. The harbor was essential for the transportation of people, supplies and iron ore. The limestone cliffs provided flux for the smelting process and construction materials. The surrounding forests provided charcoal to fuel the blast furnace.
Between 1867 and 1891, Fayette was a bustling industrial community. During that time, the primarily immigrant population of approximately 500 people produced nearly 230,000 tons of pig iron ingots at Fayette. Most of the iron produced at Fayette was shipped to steel producers on the lower Great Lakes and converted into railroad rails and steel for the growing nation.
The blast furnace and supporting structures like the machine shop were the lifeblood of the town, but it was also a somewhat isolated community with a range of business and activities. Fayette had a coronet band, baseball team, horse racing track, school, post office and company store. Amid the steam whistles, smoke and whirl of engines were noises of children playing, the clattering of horses and clinging silverware from the hotel’s dining room.
When the Jackson Iron Company ceased smelting operations in 1891, most workers and families moved to other towns. In 1959, the site was acquired by the State of Michigan. Since then, we have developed visitor facilities, stabilized the remaining structures and installed exhibits that interpret Fayette’s rich history.
Phone: 906-644-2603
Email: MHCinfo@michigan.gov
Please allow two hours to tour the visitor's center, historic buildings and scenic overlooks. Admission is free; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.
Fayette Historic Townsite, located in Fayette Historic State Park, opens May 9 on the following schedule:
The visitor center is accessible. Some paths are graded, packed crushed rock. An accessible vault toilet is located in the townsite. Designated parking is available. A wheelchair may be borrowed, subject to availability. Service animals are always welcomed.
Fayette Historic Townsite offers a variety of education programs.
Guided tours can be given to school groups, catered to each individual group's needs. The tours are interactive with question/answer sessions to promote student involvement, interest and learning.
Groups of students, from grades 3-12, can also partake in a seek-and-find activity to requires students to explore the sight and read exhibit signs to find the answers to questions.
PowerPoint presentations are also available.
The Michigan History Center runs more sites and museums statewide. There's more history to explore!
