1953 Map of Vandergrift

About this map

The Kiskiminetas River carves a dramatic serpentine path through this landscape, defining the boundaries of Westmoreland, Allegheny, and Armstrong counties. In the early 1950s, the industrial character of Vandergrift and Apollo is clearly visible, with residential neighborhoods like East Vandergrift and North Vandergrift hugging the riverbanks. The survey captures the transition of the southern interior from agriculture to utility with the development of the Beaver Run Reservoir and the nearby Beaver Run Filtration Plant. Local heritage is anchored by landmarks such as the Saints Cosmas & Damian Shrine and the Fort Hand Historical Marker. The presence of numerous Strip Mines throughout the hills indicates the era's heavy reliance on coal extraction, while small schools like the Washington Twp High Sch and Troup Sch served the surrounding rural communities of North Washington and Paulton.