Vandergrift, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vandergrift, Pennsylvania
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Borough
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Downtown Vandergrift
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Location in Westmoreland County and the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.
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 Vandergrift, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Vandergrift, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Westmoreland |
| Settled | 1895 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Borough Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.42 sq mi (3.68 km2) |
| • Land | 1.36 sq mi (3.52 km2) |
| • Water | 0.06 sq mi (0.15 km2) |
| Elevation | 879 ft (268 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,075 |
| • Density | 3,728.88/sq mi (1,440.21/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Zip code |
15690
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| Area code(s) | 724 |
| FIPS code | 42-79776 |
| Website | Vandergrift Borough.org |
Vandergrift is a small town, called a borough, located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It is about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Pittsburgh. In the early 1900s, Vandergrift was home to the largest sheet steel mill in the world.
In 1915, the nearby Borough of Vandergrift Heights joined with Vandergrift. This almost doubled Vandergrift's population. By 1940, over 10,000 people lived here. Today, the population is around 5,000 people.
Contents
- What's in a Name? The Meaning of Vandergrift
- Vandergrift's Story: A Planned Town
- Where is Vandergrift? Geography and Climate
- Who Lives in Vandergrift? Population Facts
- Fun Things to Do: Arts and Culture in Vandergrift
- Sports in Vandergrift
- Learning in Vandergrift: Education
- Getting Around: Transportation in Vandergrift
- Famous People from Vandergrift
- Images for kids
- See also
What's in a Name? The Meaning of Vandergrift
The name "Vandergrift" comes from Dutch words. It means "man-made channel." This name was later used by the Van der Grift family. Members of this family served as mayors of the town for five generations.
Vandergrift's Story: A Planned Town
In the 1890s, the Apollo Iron and Steel Company faced challenges. They wanted to create a better environment for their workers. George McMurtry, the company's leader, decided to build a special town. This town would offer good homes and a nice environment for workers. He believed this would make workers happier and more productive.
In 1895, the company built a new steel factory. They hired a famous design firm, Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot. This firm was known for designing parks and towns. They designed Vandergrift as a "model industrial town." It was named after Capt. J.J. Vandergrift, a director of the steel company.
The town design encouraged people to own their homes. This helped create a strong connection between the company and its workers. Vandergrift became a successful example of a well-planned industrial community.
Two important places in Vandergrift are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Church and the Vandergrift Historic District.
Where is Vandergrift? Geography and Climate
Vandergrift covers about 1.3 square miles (3.4 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Vandergrift's Weather
Vandergrift has a climate with four distinct seasons. The average low temperature in January is about 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-5.5 Celsius). The average high temperature in July is about 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.7 Celsius).
Who Lives in Vandergrift? Population Facts
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 2,076 | — | |
| 1910 | 3,876 | 86.7% | |
| 1920 | 9,531 | 145.9% | |
| 1930 | 11,479 | 20.4% | |
| 1940 | 10,725 | −6.6% | |
| 1950 | 9,524 | −11.2% | |
| 1960 | 8,742 | −8.2% | |
| 1970 | 7,889 | −9.8% | |
| 1980 | 6,823 | −13.5% | |
| 1990 | 5,904 | −13.5% | |
| 2000 | 5,455 | −7.6% | |
| 2010 | 5,205 | −4.6% | |
| 2020 | 5,075 | −2.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 5,455 people living in Vandergrift. About 25% of households had children under 18. Many people were married couples. The average household had about 2.26 people.
The population included people of different ages. About 21.9% were under 18. About 23% were 65 or older. The average age was 40 years old.
Most people in Vandergrift are of White background (97.43%). Other groups include African American, Native American, and Asian residents.
Family Backgrounds in Vandergrift
Many people in Vandergrift have Italian family roots, making up about 68.7% of the population. A good number of residents also have Irish ancestry (16.4%). Other backgrounds include Polish (8.3%) and Slovak (6.6%).
Fun Things to Do: Arts and Culture in Vandergrift
Entertainment Spots
Vandergrift has a theater called the Casino Theater. There is also a museum, the Victorian Vandergrift Museum & Historical Society.
Vandergrift has even been featured in movies and games! Parts of the 2011 science fiction film I am Number Four were filmed here. The town also inspired the setting for the video game Night in the Woods.
Festivals and Parades
Vandergrift hosts many fun events throughout the year:
- May:
- "Vandergrift Ethnic Days" is a carnival and food festival.
- A Memorial Day parade honors veterans.
- June:
- The "Vandergrift Fine Arts Festival" celebrates local art.
- July:
- The "RFG Sideshow Festival" offers free entertainment, food, and music.
- August:
- "Festa Italiana di Vandergrift" celebrates Italian culture.
- September:
- The "Tour de StrongLand" is a bike race.
- October:
- "Vandergrift Oktoberfest" is a three-day festival.
- November:
- "Lightup the Night" is the annual Christmas parade and celebration.
Religious Life
Many Vandergrift residents are part of a religious group. Most are Roman Catholic (55.4%). Other groups include Methodist, ELCA Lutheran, and Presbyterian.
Sports in Vandergrift
Vandergrift owns Davis Field, which was once the home football field for the Kiski Area School District's team. There are also fields for baseball and football practice. These fields are used by local little league and midget football teams.
Learning in Vandergrift: Education
Public Schools
Vandergrift is part of the Kiski Area School District.
Private Schools
St. Gertrude School, a private Catholic school, opened in 1922. In 2005, it became a regional school with a new name, Cardinal Maida Academy.
Getting Around: Transportation in Vandergrift
The Westmoreland County Transit Authority provides bus service in Vandergrift. Route 15 runs Monday through Friday between New Kensington and Avonmore. It stops at several locations in Vandergrift. Other bus routes also stop nearby. You can find more details on the WCTA website.
Famous People from Vandergrift
Many notable people have connections to Vandergrift:
- Jaira Burns (born 1997), a singer-songwriter.
- Angelo Donghia (1935–1985), an interior designer.
- Anthony E. Gallo (born 1939), a playwright.
- Steve Jastrzembski (1939–2009), an American football player.
- Mendes Napoli (born 1951), a businessman and talent agent.
- Lou Palatella (born 1933), an American football player.
- William Perry (born 1927), a mathematician, engineer, and former United States Secretary of Defense.
- David Roselle (born 1939), a mathematician and university president.
- James Veneris (1922–2004), an American soldier.
Images for kids
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Downtown Vandergrift
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Location in Westmoreland County and the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.
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July 1895, before construction of the town
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May 1896
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Aerial photograph of the borough from 1500ft above the ground.
See also
In Spanish: Vandergrift (Pensilvania) para niños
