West Pittston, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
West Pittston, Pennsylvania
|
|
|---|---|
|
Borough
|
|
A home on Luzerne Avenue in West Pittston
|
|
| Nickname(s):
The Garden Village
|
|
Location of West Pittston in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
|
|
 West Pittston, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
West Pittston, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Luzerne |
| Region | Greater Pittston |
| Settled | 1778 |
| Incorporated | 1857 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Borough Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.94 sq mi (2.43 km2) |
| • Land | 0.82 sq mi (2.12 km2) |
| • Water | 0.12 sq mi (0.31 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 4,644  |
| • Estimate
(2021)
|
4,636 |
| • Density | 5,806.10/sq mi (2,242.86/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Zip code |
18643
|
| Area code(s) | 570 |
| FIPS code | 42-83856 |
West Pittston is a small town, called a borough, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It's part of the larger Greater Pittston area. The town is located right on the Susquehanna River, across from Pittston City. In 2020, about 4,644 people lived there.
Long ago, West Pittston was known for making things like mine screens, glass, and crackers. The town gained national attention in September 2011. This was when a huge flood, caused by Tropical Storm Lee, covered much of the borough in water.
Contents
History of West Pittston
West Pittston was first settled in the 1770s. During the American Revolutionary War, an important event happened here. On July 1, 1778, a fort called Fort Jenkins was located in what is now West Pittston. This fort was a Patriot stronghold. It surrendered to the British forces, led by Major John Butler. The British then burned the fort down. Just two days later, on July 3, the famous Battle of Wyoming took place only a few miles away.
West Pittston officially became a borough in 1857. The West Pittston Police Department was also started in the same year. West Pittston was once home to a military unit, Company D, 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment. This unit is part of the 28th Infantry Division.
Bridges Connecting the Towns
Two bridges were built over the Susquehanna River. These bridges connect West Pittston with Pittston City. In 1914, the Penn Bridge Company built the Water Street Bridge. Today, this bridge is known as the Firefighters’ Memorial Bridge. It has special lights that can change colors for holidays or local sports events.
Later, in 1928, another bridge was built next to the Water Street Bridge. This one was called the Fort Jenkins Bridge. It was later renamed the Dale J. Kridlo Memorial Bridge. This bridge is part of U.S. Route 11, a major road that goes right through the center of West Pittston.
Major Flooding Events
West Pittston has faced big floods in its history. In June 1972, Hurricane Agnes caused massive flooding in the Greater Pittston area.
Another historic flood happened on September 8, 2011. Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Lee caused the Susquehanna River to rise to a record height of 42.66 feet. This flood covered more than a quarter of the town. Thousands of people had to leave their homes, and businesses and houses suffered millions of dollars in damage. After this big flood, a non-profit group called West Pittston Tomorrow was created. This group helps improve the community, like expanding the public library and creating community gardens.
Geography and Location
West Pittston is located at coordinates 41.329265 degrees North and -75.799048 degrees West.
The United States Census Bureau says that the borough has a total area of about 2.5 square kilometers (0.94 square miles). Most of this area, about 2.1 square kilometers (0.82 square miles), is land. The rest, about 0.4 square kilometers (0.12 square miles), is water. West Pittston is on the west side of the Susquehanna River in northern Luzerne County. The city of Wilkes-Barre is to the southwest. Pittston City is directly across the river to the east. The borough is part of the Wyoming Area School District.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1860 | 599 | — | |
| 1870 | 1,416 | 136.4% | |
| 1880 | 2,544 | 79.7% | |
| 1890 | 3,906 | 53.5% | |
| 1900 | 5,846 | 49.7% | |
| 1910 | 6,848 | 17.1% | |
| 1920 | 6,968 | 1.8% | |
| 1930 | 7,940 | 13.9% | |
| 1940 | 7,943 | 0.0% | |
| 1950 | 7,230 | −9.0% | |
| 1960 | 6,998 | −3.2% | |
| 1970 | 7,074 | 1.1% | |
| 1980 | 5,980 | −15.5% | |
| 1990 | 5,590 | −6.5% | |
| 2000 | 5,072 | −9.3% | |
| 2010 | 4,868 | −4.0% | |
| 2020 | 4,644 | −4.6% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 4,636 | −4.8% | |
| Sources: | |||
In 2000, there were 5,072 people living in West Pittston. There were 2,243 households and 1,397 families. The population density was about 6,199 people per square mile.
Most of the people living in West Pittston were White (98.8%). A small number were African American (0.3%) or Asian (0.1%). About 0.4% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
About 24.2% of households had children under 18 living with them. About 46.4% were married couples. The average household had 2.26 people, and the average family had 2.92 people.
The population's age was spread out. About 20.0% were under 18 years old. About 22.9% were 65 years or older. The average age was 42 years.
The median income for a household in the borough was $33,030. For a family, it was $41,729. About 10.1% of the population lived below the poverty line. This included 20.5% of those under 18.
Education
Students in West Pittston attend schools within the Wyoming Area School District.
Culture and Events
West Pittston holds an annual Cherry Blossom Festival. This event usually features bands, food, and a parade. The parade includes the Wyoming Area Marching Band, Little League teams, Boy Scout troops, and local emergency services. The festival also has musical concerts, skit shows, and a "Miss Cherry Blossom" contest.
West Pittston has a special connection with Gualdo Tadino, Italy. They are considered sister cities.
Notable People from West Pittston
- Annabel Morris Holvey (1855–1910), a newspaper editor and social reformer.
- Marion Lorne, an actress, was born in West Pittston.
- Anne Sargent, an actress.
- Susan E. Dickinson, a journalist.
Images for kids
-
Firefighters' Memorial Bridge facing West Pittston
-
Specialist Dale J. Kridlo Memorial Bridge (U.S. Route 11); West Pittston is on the left
-
West Pittston Library
.jpg)
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: West Pittston para niños
