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Saxonburg, Pennsylvania
Borough
Saxonburg Memorial Church
Saxonburg Memorial Church
Flag of Saxonburg, Pennsylvania
Flag
Official seal of Saxonburg, Pennsylvania
Seal
Location of Saxonburg in Butler County, Pennsylvania
Location of Saxonburg in Butler County, Pennsylvania
Saxonburg, Pennsylvania is located in Pennsylvania
Saxonburg, Pennsylvania
Saxonburg, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
County Butler
Settled 1832
Incorporated 1846
Government
 • Type Borough Council
Area
 • Total 0.91 sq mi (2.35 km2)
 • Land 0.91 sq mi (2.35 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,426
 • Density 1,573.95/sq mi (607.39/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
Zip Code
16056
Area code(s) 724, 878
FIPS code 42-68056

Saxonburg is a small town, called a borough, in Butler County, Pennsylvania, USA. It's close to the big city of Pittsburgh. A man named F. Carl Roebling and his younger brother John started Saxonburg in 1832. They wanted to create a German farming community. In 2010, about 1,525 people lived there.

The town was first called "Germania" and then "Sachsenburg." Later, its name was changed to the English version, Saxonburg. John Roebling was an engineer. He invented wire rope in a workshop right here. He became famous for designing amazing suspension bridges. His most well-known bridge is the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.

History of Saxonburg

Saxonburg was founded in 1832 by John A. Roebling. He is famous for designing the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. He also invented a new way to make wire rope. John Roebling and his brother Karl left Germany in 1831. They wanted to escape problems and unfair rule in Europe. On October 28, 1831, they bought 1,582 acres (6.40 km2) of land from Mrs. Sarah Collins.

In November 1920, KDKA radio started broadcasting. It is known as the world's first commercial radio station. It began in East Pittsburgh. Later, its main transmitter moved to nearby Clinton Township. The Roebling Museum in Saxonburg keeps many items from John Roebling's life.

Nuclear Research Lab

In 1946, scientists from Carnegie Tech started an important research program. They built a powerful machine called a proton synchrocyclotron. This machine was used for nuclear physics research. It was located near Saxonburg.

This research program was very active until the mid-1970s. Then, the old machine was taken apart. The site is now used for businesses. One company there is II-VI Corporation. By 1997, only a few of the original research buildings were still standing.

Saxonburg PA South Butler Street
South Butler Street, a road in Saxonburg

First Woman Mayor

In November 2009, Jody Pflueger became Saxonburg's first female mayor. She was also the first mayor from the Democratic party. She won the election by getting many "write-in" votes. She defeated the mayor who had been in office for 12 years.

While she was mayor, Jody Pflueger brought back the position of Police Chief. Pamela Bauman became mayor after Pflueger in 2013. After Pamela Bauman passed away, William Gillespie finished her term until 2017.

Geography

Saxonburg is located in the southeastern part of Butler County. Its exact location is 40°45′15″N 79°48′56″W / 40.75417°N 79.81556°W / 40.75417; -79.81556. Butler, which is the county seat, is about 9 miles (14 km) to the northwest. Freeport, located on the Allegheny River, is about 10 miles (16 km) to the southeast.

The United States Census Bureau says that Saxonburg covers a total area of 0.89 square miles (2.3 km2). All of this area is land, with no water.

Population Information

Historical population
Census Pop.
1870 295
1880 319 8.1%
1890 258 −19.1%
1900 307 19.0%
1910 345 12.4%
1920 319 −7.5%
1930 452 41.7%
1940 524 15.9%
1950 602 14.9%
1960 876 45.5%
1970 1,191 36.0%
1980 1,336 12.2%
1990 1,345 0.7%
2000 1,629 21.1%
2010 1,525 −6.4%
2020 1,426 −6.5%
Sources:

In the year 2000, there were 1,629 people living in Saxonburg. These people lived in 655 households. About 391 of these households were families. Most of the people living in Saxonburg were White (99.32%).

About 22.7% of households had children under 18 years old. Many households (47.8%) were married couples. About 35.3% of all households were single individuals. The average household had 2.13 people. The average family had 2.75 people.

The population was spread out by age. About 16.8% were under 18. About 34.4% were 65 years or older. The average age in Saxonburg was 50 years old.

Education

The schools in Saxonburg are part of the Knoch School District. This district used to be called the South Butler County School District.

Notable People

Saxonburg has been home to several interesting people:

  • Joby Harris (born 1975), a designer and director.
  • Michele McDonald (1952–2020), a model who was crowned Miss USA 1971.
  • John A. Roebling (1806–1869), a civil engineer. He invented wire rope and designed many suspension bridges, like the Brooklyn Bridge.
  • John Minton (1948–1995), a professional wrestler known as Big John Studd in the WWE. He is buried in the Saxonburg Cemetery.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Saxonburg para niños

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