Murphy Island (Pennsylvania) facts for kids

Murphy Island is a special piece of land in the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. It's also known by another name: Donley Island. This island is unique because it's privately owned, meaning it belongs to a person or a group, not the public.

Discovering Murphy Island

Murphy Island is an island that formed in a river. It's located in Gilpin Township, which is part of Armstrong County, in the United States state of Pennsylvania. If you were looking at a map, you'd find it across the river from South Buffalo Township.

What is an Alluvial Island?

Murphy Island is called an "alluvial" island. This means it was created by the river itself! Over a long time, the Allegheny River carried tiny bits of sand, silt, and clay downstream. These materials slowly built up in one spot, forming the island you see today. It's like the river built its own land!

How High is the Island?

The highest point of Murphy Island is about 758 feet above sea level. Sea level is the average height of the ocean's surface. So, 758 feet is how much higher the island is compared to the ocean.