LaFayette is a small but very busy city. Located near to the middle of Walker County, the city was counted at 6,888 residents in the 2020 ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Census, and was estimated to have 6,977 residents in 2022, down 144 people from the 2010 census.
LaFayette was founded in 1835 and called Chattooga at the time. A year later, the city was renamed LaFayette after (take a deep breath and summon your French accent) Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette. The marquis was called LaFayette in the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý He served in the American Army under George Washington and visited Georgia in 1825, nine years before he died.
LaFayette was named for the marquis two years after his death. The cityÐÔÊӽ紫ý first census, in 1870, counted 251 people. The city has gained, on average, 44 residents a year since that time.
LaFayette today
A visit to LaFayetteÐÔÊӽ紫ý Facebook page (City of LaFayette, GA — Local Government) will make clear one key thing: If you live in LaFayette, you could not possibly be bored.
LaFayette is known for its giant Honeybee Festival, but thatÐÔÊӽ紫ý just one of many, many events going on in the city at any given time.
There are movies and music on the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý square on a regular basis. ThereÐÔÊӽ紫ý a community Easter egg hunt, homecoming parades and events, the Freedom Fest, Autumn Rocks, Scare on the Square for Halloween, Christmas bazaars, lights, and the Christmas parade.
ThereÐÔÊӽ紫ý a dog park, fishing, kayaking and other water sports, golf, caving, hiking, climbing, running, and biking, tennis, volleyball, and pickle ball. There are trails to traverse. ThereÐÔÊӽ紫ý a pool and a splash park, playgrounds, youth sports, a gymnasium, and a game room.
ThereÐÔÊӽ紫ý a farmers market, picnic areas and walking tracks.
The LaFayette-Walker County Library has lots going on for kids. There are museums and historic buildings and theater. There are Memorial Day flags and crosses.
The list could go on. Within each event are many activities, from corn hole to inflatables and games for kids.
LaFayetteÐÔÊӽ紫ý Facebook page is the place to go if you want to get a taste for all these possibilities. With more than 250 videos and thousands of pictures, you’ll know whatÐÔÊӽ紫ý available and will gain a sense of the community and excitement surrounding events.
Keeping everything clean and functioning for all this busyness takes a lot of work. The city uses its Facebook page to brag on its public works department, its electric company and others, including volunteers, who keep streets and trails clean and power running.
ItÐÔÊӽ紫ý clear from public response on the page that the community is just as appreciative of the workers as city officials are.
For more information about LaFayette, visit its website at and its Facebook page (City of LaFayette, GA — Local Government).
Tamara Wolk is a reporter for The Catoosa County News in Ringgold, Ga., and Walker County Messenger in LaFayette, Ga.
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