West Newton, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
West Newton, Pennsylvania
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Borough
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East Main Street
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Location of West Newton in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
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 West Newton, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Westmoreland |
| Settled | 1788 |
| Incorporated | February 26, 1842 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Borough Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.12 sq mi (2.91 km2) |
| • Land | 1.04 sq mi (2.69 km2) |
| • Water | 0.09 sq mi (0.22 km2) |
| Elevation | 777 ft (237 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 2,633 |
| • Estimate
(2019)
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2,480 |
| • Density | 2,391.51/sq mi (923.17/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Zip code |
15089
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| Area code(s) | 724, 878 |
| FIPS code | 42-83680 |
West Newton is a small town, called a borough, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It is about 24.5 miles (39.4 km) southeast of Pittsburgh. Long ago, the main jobs here were making radiators and boilers. In 2010, about 2,633 people lived in West Newton.
History
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West Newton's story began in 1788. A group of pioneers from Massachusetts, led by General Rufus Putnam, stopped here. They built boats to travel down the Youghiogheny River. Their journey ended when they founded the town of Marietta, Ohio.
This area had a few different names before it became West Newton. It was known as Simeral's Ferry, Oswegly Old Town, and Robbstown. In 1901, a sad event happened when eighteen miners died in an accident at the Port Royal Mine.
Two important buildings, the Dick Building and Plumer House, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are special and protected because of their history.
Like many early towns in Western Pennsylvania, West Newton was important for people moving west. The Simeral family ran a small ferry across the Youghiogheny River. Later, Isaac Robb, from New Jersey, planned out the town. He first called it "Robbstown."
The town grew slowly at first. It was a trading spot where an old Native American trail met the Youghiogheny River. Things changed in the mid-1800s. More boats used the river after dams were built in the 1830s. A paper mill also helped the town's economy grow.
West Newton has faced many challenges, like fires, floods, and train accidents. But the people always worked to rebuild and improve their community. Over time, West Newton became a "bedroom community." This means many residents live there but work in other towns nearby.
Today, West Newton is a popular "trail town." It is located along the Great Allegheny Passage, a long trail for biking and walking. This brings visitors from all over the world.
Geography
West Newton is located at 40°12′34″N 79°46′9″W / 40.20944°N 79.76917°W.
The United States Census Bureau says the borough covers about 1.2 square miles (3.1 km2). Most of this area, about 1.1 square miles (2.8 km2), is land. The rest, about 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2), is water.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1850 | 771 | — | |
| 1860 | 949 | 23.1% | |
| 1870 | 992 | 4.5% | |
| 1880 | 1,475 | 48.7% | |
| 1890 | 2,285 | 54.9% | |
| 1900 | 2,467 | 8.0% | |
| 1910 | 2,880 | 16.7% | |
| 1920 | 2,645 | −8.2% | |
| 1930 | 2,953 | 11.6% | |
| 1940 | 2,765 | −6.4% | |
| 1950 | 3,619 | 30.9% | |
| 1960 | 3,982 | 10.0% | |
| 1970 | 3,648 | −8.4% | |
| 1980 | 3,387 | −7.2% | |
| 1990 | 3,152 | −6.9% | |
| 2000 | 3,083 | −2.2% | |
| 2010 | 2,633 | −14.6% | |
| 2019 (est.) | 2,480 | −5.8% | |
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In 2000, there were 3,083 people living in West Newton. There were 1,318 households, which are groups of people living together. About 26.4% of these households had children under 18. The average age of people in West Newton was 42 years old.
Notable people
- Ray Luzier: A famous rock music drummer who plays for the bands Korn and David Lee Roth.
- James L. Swauger: An archaeologist, someone who studies old human history and prehistory.
- Danny Taylor: A former professional baseball player.
Images for kids
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The Youghiogheny River at West Newton
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Pioneers building the flatboat, Adventure Galley, in March 1788. This happened at Sumrill's Ferry, which is now West Newton, Pennsylvania.
See also
In Spanish: West Newton (Pensilvania) para niños
