History of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, USA

Pittsburg, April 19.- The Western File works at Beaver Falls, Pa., caught fire at 10 o'clock in this morning, and totally destroyed the building, together with its stock and machinery. Loss estimated at $400,000; insurance 125,000. The origin of the fire is not known, but suspected to be a spark from the shovel factory. Over 200 hands are temporarily thrown out of employment.

One man killed and four others badly injured - A train crowded with laborers runs into a freight - A brakeman said to have given the wrong signal - the killed and injured.

BEAVER FALLS, PA, April 25, - a serious accident occurred on the Pittsburg and Lake Erie railroad, between Rock Point and Homewood, in which one man was killed and four men badly hurt. Freight train No. 42 was running west at a fair rate of speed, and upon turning one of the sharp curves near Rock Point the engineer saw the construction train standing on the track only a short distance away. He hurriedly gave the danger signal and whistled down the brakes, but before the speed of the train could be checked in crashed into the working train, demolishing the cars and causing the loss of life. The construction train has been stationed near Rock Point for some time, and the men had just boarded the train to move to another place. Consequently the cars were crowded with workmen, and it was a wonder that more were not...

Beaver Falls, a post-borough of Beaver co., Pa., on the W. bank of the Beaver River, and on the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chicago, and the Pittsburg & Lake Erie Rail roads, 34 miles N.W. of Pittsburg. The railroad here crosses the river by a bridge which connects the town with New Brighton. Here are 3 banks, 12 churches, 5 hotels, a college, water-works, natural and artificial gas, and electric lights. It is a manufacturing centre, and has large file works, flouring-mills, steel works, 3 planing-mills, an axe factory, a shovel-factory, glass-factories, tile-works, white Ware potteries, bridge-works, and a nail-mill. About 2500 operatives are employed in these manufactures, and the capital invested is about $2,600,000. Coal abounds in the vicinity. An electric street-railroad in course of construction will connect the town with the county-seat 4 miles distant. Pop. in 1890, 9735.

This busy manufacturing center is situated in the valley of the Big Beaver Creek, about three and a half miles from its mouth. The town occupies mainly a plateau some fifty or sixty feet above the creek, and has thus excellent natural drainage. The hills on either side, especially to the west, rise boldly to a height of perhaps two hundred feet, with immense perpendicular cliffs, making very wild and picturesque scenery. The high ground here was formerly covered with those blocks of granite known to geologists as "erratics," which are supposed to have been transported hither from the Canadian highlands by icebergs and deposited as the bergs melted

Very early the immense water power afforded by the Falls of the Beaver at this point, and the consequent possibilities of successful manufacturing being carried on here, impressed themselves upon all visitors. Among those who perceived these advantages at an early period was General Daniel Brodhead, who, while commandant at Fort Pitt...

Beaverfalls, a banking post-borough of Beaver co., Pa., on the W. bank of the Beaver River and on the Pennsylvania, and the Pittsburg and Lake Erie Rs., 32 miles SW. of Pittsburg. It is connected by bridge with New Brighton. The borough is an important manufacturing centre, Md its industries comprise extensive file-, steel-, wire-, nail- and bridge-, tube-, glass- and chemical-works, saw-factories, rolling- and planing-mills, etc. It is the seat of Geneva College. Coal and natural gas abound in the vicinity. . Pop. in 1890, 9736 ; in 1900, 10,054.

Beaver River Trail: Start your visit by exploring the scenic Beaver River Trail. It's perfect for walking, jogging, or biking along the beautiful Beaver River.

College Hill: Take a stroll through the historic College Hill district. You'll find stunning old homes and tree-lined streets that give you a glimpse into the town's past.

Carnegie Free Library: This library is a local treasure. Even if you're not a bookworm, the architecture and history of the building are worth a visit.

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA): If you're interested in aviation, check out PIA, which offers aircraft maintenance and aviation electronics programs.

Beaver Falls Historical Society: Discover the town's history at the local historical society. You'll learn about the steel industry and other key aspects of Beaver Falls' past.

Geneva College: Visit this small Christian college and explore its beautiful campus. You can also catch a Golden Tornadoes sports event.

Big Rock Park: Enjoy...