1902 Map of Kittanning

About this map

The Allegheny River carves a dramatic path through this 1900 survey, defined by the iconic loop at Bradys Bend and the industrial activity of Kittanning and Ford City. The map documents a period of transition for the region, where the steep river valleys and rolling uplands of Butler and Armstrong Counties are unified by an expanding network of railroads. Key lines like the Pennsylvania RR and the Pittsburg and Western RR follow the watercourses, facilitating the movement of coal and iron. At the northern edge, the Redbank Furnace near East Brady highlights the area's early metallurgical heritage, while numerous smaller hamlets such as Worthington and Buffalo Mills serve as local agricultural hubs. The presence of Lacy's Store and Browns Crossroads suggests the importance of early overland trade routes before the dominance of motorized transport.