Natrona, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Natrona, Pennsylvania
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The Pennsalt Historic District, settled c. 1850, in Natrona
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 Natrona, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Natrona, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Allegheny |
| Township | Harrison |
| Elevation | 758 ft (231 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
15065
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| Area code(s) | 724, 878 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1182182 |
| Website | http://harrisontwp.com/ |
Natrona is a small community in Harrison Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It is not an official city or town, but rather an unincorporated community.
Natrona is located in western Pennsylvania. It is about 24 miles northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh. The community sits along the Allegheny River. It is near Lock and Dam Four. Other nearby places include Brackenridge and Natrona Heights.
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History of Natrona
The community of Natrona started as a special type of town. It was known as a company town. This means a company built and owned most of the homes and stores. The Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company built Natrona in the 1850s. At first, it was called East Tarentum.
Natrona got its name from the word "natron". Natron is a natural mineral. It is mostly made of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. The company started with two salt wells in 1850. They continued to operate until 1959. By 1876, the company used minerals from Greenland. They processed these minerals in Natrona. This helped them make chemicals like sodium carbonate.
Canals and Waterways
In the early to mid-1800s, the Pennsylvania Canal passed through Natrona. Canals were like man-made rivers. They helped transport goods and people. This made it easier to move products from factories.
Railroads and Trains
Trains have been important to Natrona for a long time. The Pennsylvania Railroad had a train station here. Their trains started running through Natrona in the mid-1800s. Later, this railroad joined with others. They formed the Penn Central Transportation Company in 1968.
After that, the Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) took over freight service. This was from 1976 to 1999. Today, the Norfolk Southern Railway operates trains through Natrona. Sometimes, Amtrak passenger trains use these tracks too. The closest Amtrak station is in Downtown Pittsburgh.
From 1906 to 1937, West Penn Railways offered electric streetcar service. These streetcars helped people travel around Natrona. Local factories also used trains. For example, Allegheny Technologies still uses a track. It moves materials between different parts of its factory.
Coal Mining
The Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company also operated coal mines. They had Natrona No. 1 and Natrona No. 2 mines. These mines produced bituminous coal. Coal mining was an important industry in the area.
Geography of Natrona
Natrona is located on flat land next to the Allegheny River. This type of land is called a floodplain. It is formed by the river's deposits.
Education in Natrona
Students in Natrona attend schools in the Highlands School District. Highlands High School and Highlands Middle School are in nearby Natrona Heights.
Natrona in Movies
Natrona has been a filming location for a few movies.
Knightriders (1981)
The movie Knightriders was filmed in 1980. It was directed by George A. Romero. The film stars Ed Harris. Some scenes were shot on Garfield Street in Natrona. Most of the movie was filmed in nearby Fawn Township.
Striking Distance (1993)
Another movie, Striking Distance, used Natrona for a scene. This film came out in 1993. It stars Bruce Willis and Sarah Jessica Parker. In one part, boats jump over the dam at Natrona. The George D. Stuart Bridge can be seen in the background. This bridge is actually about 2.5 miles downstream. It connects Tarentum and New Kensington.
Notable People from Natrona
- Leon Czolgosz: He worked at a glass factory in Natrona as a teenager. He is known for his involvement in a historical event in 1901.
- Evelyn Nesbit: She was an American model and actress. Evelyn was born in Natrona. She became famous for her life in New York City.
