Cokeville, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cokeville
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 Cokeville
Location in Pennsylvania
Cokeville
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Westmoreland |
| Elevation | 938 ft (286 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1170039 |
Cokeville was once a small community located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Today, it no longer exists as a town. It was an unincorporated community, which means it was a settlement without its own local government. Cokeville was removed to make way for a large flood control project.
About Cokeville: A Town That Disappeared
Cokeville was a community that had to be moved because of a big project. After a major flood in 1936, engineers decided to build a dam. This dam would help control floodwaters from the Conemaugh River. In 1951, maps showed 122 buildings in Cokeville. By 1952, the town was being cleared out for the new flood control project. Most of the buildings were torn down. However, some were carefully moved up a nearby hill. These buildings were relocated to an area called Cokeville Heights.
A Look Back: Cokeville's History
The story of Cokeville began in 1858. Back then, it was known by a different name: Broad Fording. The town was connected by the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal. This canal was like a water highway for moving goods. Around 1864, the Pennsylvania Railroad built its tracks. These tracks were placed right along the canal's towpath.
The town's name changed in the early 1870s. It was first called Coketown, then Coketon. Finally, it became Cokeville. This name change happened after a large coke plant was built. The Isabella Furnace Coke Company built this plant in 1872. It had 200 ovens for making coke. Coke is a fuel made from coal. The town officially became incorporated in 1887. The coke made here was sent to the Isabella Blast Furnace. This furnace was located in Etna, Pennsylvania. Around 1901, the H.C. Frick Coke Company took over the plant. But the coke ovens stopped working for good in 1903.
What Remains of Cokeville Today?
Even though the town is gone, you can still find some traces of Cokeville. There are parts of the old road bridge from Blairsville. You can also see parts of the railroad bridge further up the river. About a dozen old coke ovens are still there. They are in a poor condition. These ovens are located behind Torrance State Hospital. You can also find concrete roads on both sides where the town used to be. These remnants are like clues to the town's past.
