Renfrew, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Renfrew is a small village in Butler County, Pennsylvania, United States. It's not officially a town or city, but a community without its own local government. Renfrew is located along the Connoquenessing Creek in Penn Township.
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What is Renfrew?
Renfrew is a quiet community in Pennsylvania. It's known for its history as an oil town and its connection to local railroads. Even though it's small, it has an interesting past.
How Did Renfrew Begin?
Renfrew was founded in 1882 by a man named David A. Renfrew. He started the village on his own farm. This was a time when many small communities were growing in Pennsylvania.
What Was Life Like in Early Renfrew?
In its early days, Renfrew was a busy place. It was a "booming oil town" because of the oil found nearby. The village had many important buildings. These included a general store, a school, and a post office. There was also a gas station and a Methodist church. These places helped the community grow and thrive.
The Importance of the Railroad
Railroads were very important for Renfrew. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad once ran through the village. This railway connected Renfrew to bigger cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Today, the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad still uses the tracks. It carries materials to and from the AK Steel mill in Butler. The railroad tracks run along Railroad Street in Renfrew.
What Happened in 2004?
In September 2004, Renfrew faced a big challenge. The area experienced massive flooding. This was caused by heavy rainfall from the remains of Hurricane Ivan. The flood waters caused a lot of damage to the community.
