Kittanning, PA

xzmattzx · #1 Posted **Apr 2, 2021, 5:26 PM**

Kittanning is a borough on the Allegheny River northeast of Pittsburgh, and is the seat of Armstrong County. The population is around 3,700.

Kittanning began as a French and Lenape Tribe outpost in the 1750s, with raids by the two parties on English settlers, who were beginning to move that far west. The town was laid out in 1803 as the seat of Armstrong County. As a strategic point on the Allegheny River with flat riverbanks, Kittanning grew to be a significant shipping town in western Pennsylvania. Local railroads transported coal from the mountains to Kittanning, which were then shipped downstream to Pittsburgh. This industrial boom continued into the 20th century.

The Armstrong County Courthouse, on Market Street. The courthouse was built in 1860.

The Armstrong County Jail, on Market Street. The jail was built in 1873.

Buildings on Market Street. In the center is the Colwell-Arnold Building, built in 1906. On the right is the Rosebud Mining Company Building, built in 1900.

Old City Hall, on Market Street. The building is now a bank.

Buildings on Market Street.

The Kittanning Citizens Bridge, which carries Market Street over the Allegheny River. The bridge was built in 1932.

Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 7, on the Allegheny River at the north end of town. The dam and lock were completed in 1930, and improved navigation on the river.

The Simon Truby House, on Water Street. The house was built in 1864.

The C. H. Ferne House, on Water Street. The house was built in 1920.

A house on Water Street, built in 1880.

Saint Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church, on Water Street. The church was built in 1963.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, on Water Street. The church was built in 1913.

The Elks Club, on Arch Street at Water Street. The club was built as a house in 1876.

Grace Presbyterian Church, on Jefferson Street. The church was built in 1911.

First United Methodist Church, on Jefferson Street. The church was built in 1909.

The John Colwell House, on Jefferson Street. The house was built in 1860, and was the former town library beginning in 1933.

Buildings on Jefferson Street.

Union Avenue Methodist Church, on Union Avenue.

Houses on Queen Street.

Houses on Reynolds Avenue.

fonzi · #2 Posted **Apr 4, 2021, 2:51 PM**

I appreciate this set of photos, because as a youth, I remember the trips eastward on US 422, being from New Castle, originally. The rolling hills got more pronounced once you got east of Butler. I never explored Kittanning and often wish I did. Lots of history and places of interest in every corner of Armstrong County. Parker, Yellow Dog, Rural Valley on over to Dayton, and the Kiski Valley. I need to set aside some time next time I am back in W PA.