Ruffs Dale, Pennsylvania facts for kids
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Ruffs Dale, sometimes spelled Ruffsdale, is a small community in East Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is not a city or town, but a group of homes and businesses without its own local government. Ruffs Dale is located about 40 miles from the big city of Pittsburgh. It has its own post office, which uses the zip code 15679.
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Exploring Ruffs Dale's Location
A small stream called Buffalo Run flows through Ruffs Dale. This stream eventually joins a larger one called Sewickley Creek.
Long ago, in 1906, a historian named John Newton Boucher wrote about Ruffs Dale. He said it was located along a railroad line. This line was part of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Even in 2021, railroad tracks could still be seen in Ruffs Dale.
A Look at Ruffs Dale's Past
During the French and Indian War, an important event happened near Ruffs Dale. A group of soldiers led by General Edward Braddock and George Washington passed through the area. They were trying to capture Fort Duquesne from the French. They are believed to have crossed the Big Sewickley Creek between Ruffs Dale and Paintertown.
Ruffs Dale also played a role in postal history. In 1896, it became one of the first two places in Pennsylvania to have a rural mail route. This meant mail was delivered directly to people's homes in the countryside. A special marker was put up to remember this important event.
Industries That Shaped Ruffs Dale
Maps from 1987 by the United States Geological Survey show that mines once operated near Ruffs Dale. These mines likely dug for valuable resources from the ground.
There was also a large factory in Ruffs Dale called S. Dillinger & Sons. This factory, built in 1882, made a type of beverage. It was known for its "Dillinger Pure Rye" drink. At one point, it was said to be the second-largest factory of its kind in Pennsylvania. It was still working in 1947 but closed down before 1993.
Education in Ruffs Dale
Most of the students living in Ruffs Dale attend schools in the Yough School District. A smaller part of the community is served by the Southmoreland School District.
Communities Close to Ruffs Dale
- Hunker: 3 miles away
- New Stanton: 5 miles away
- Mt. Pleasant: 9 miles away
- Scottdale: 7 miles away
- West Newton: 8 miles away
- Tarrs: 4 miles away
- Yukon: 4 miles away
