Saltsburg, Pennsylvania is over 200 years old and participated in the opening of the western frontier. It all began with the salt industry.
About a mile above Saltsburg in 1795-98, a Mrs. Deemer was boiling water from a nearby well when she noted a formation of crystals in the bottom of the kettle. Those crystals were salt. Mrs. Deemer's discovery led to the birth of an industry that over the next few decades made the Conemaugh-Kiskiminetas Valley one of the leading salt producers in the nation.
Mr. William Johnson was the area's first leading producer. By 1813, his well yielded 30 bushels of salt per day. First Johnson used horse power to bore and pump his salt from the wells; later he used a spring pole; and ultimately, in 1825, a steam engine.
By 1819 "The Great Conemaugh Salt Works" was comprised of twelve manufacturers. The primitive kettle that Mrs. Deemer has used was replaced by large iron pans, 8 inches deep, 20 feet long and 10 or 11 feet wide. Coal was mined nearby and used as fuel for the steam engines to both bore and pump.
The salt industry of the Conemaugh-Kiskiminetas Valley peaked in the 1830's and in 1833 over four million pound of slat were shipped over the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.
By 1837, nearly all of the Conemaugh and Kiskiminetas salt wells had played out,, and most of the salt operations had moved downstream. The salt industry in Pennsylvania declined as cheaper sources of salt which did not require the expense of boring, pumping and evaporation were developed.
The early salt industry was the reason for Saltsburg's establishment as a town, and in conjunction with the canal, created the "boom" economy that made Saltsburg grow, and led to its incorporation as a borough on April 16, 1838.
In the fall of 1816, Andrew and Jane Boggs purchased the land situated in the beautiful valley at the confluence of the Conemaugh, Loyalhanna and Kiskiminetas Rivers from Jane's brother William Johnston. They immediately began selling lots in the tiny pioneer settlement, naming it "Saltsburg" in honor of the salt industry. The demand for property had greatly increased in the vicinity of the Great Conemaugh Salt Works. From necessity, businesses sprang up - coopers, blacksmiths, wagon makers, stone masons, and carpenters; all having employment because of the thriving salt industry. The location had an abundant supply of timber and stone for building purposes and plenty of good water.
In 1838, Saltsburg was incorporated as a borough. The first election was held August 11, 1838. Dr. Thomas Murray was the first Burgess; John Williams, the first merchant; Simon Drum, the first tanner and Daniel Davis, the first blacksmith. Some say the first house was erected in 1819-1820 at the rear of the present day Presbyterian Church lot on Salt Street, however, there were many cabins on the site as early as 1800.
This was, in fact, the early beginning of Saltsburg, a small settlement, soon to become a prosperous industrial center.
Industrial growth prompts better methods of transportation necessary to the economic progress of a community. In the early 1800's, people watched the transition from wagons and horse travel to the birth of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal which reached across the state from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. It was the canal that made it possible for salt and other raw and manufactured goods to be transported more quickly to market, thus furnishing the essential ingredient for the success of the area salt industry and of Saltsburg itself. The 104 mile Western Division of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal ran through Saltsburg as it connected with Johnstown and Pittsburgh. It was the life blood of Saltsburg for nearly 30 years.
The canal, an artery of water 40 feet wide, cut through Saltsburg in a graceful curve, following the near bank of the Conemaugh River and crossing the town's major streets - Basin, Washington, Point, Market, High, Salt, and Canal. Lock #8, a canal boat basin, and a warehouse fronting the basin were located on the north end of town.
The canal channels and tow paths (generally 62 feet wide) ran along the river. Mules were led along the canal path to pull the boats through the waterway. The channel was 4 feet deep and 28 feet wide at the bottom of the prism and 40 feet wide at the water line. Cut stone locks with chambers 90 feet long and 15 feet wide were used to raise and lower the canal boats by closing and opening lock gates to raise and lower the water level.
Contracts were let in the fall of 1827. Nathan Roberts was contracted for the surveying and engineering of the Western Division. The first passenger packet, the Pennsylvania, arrived in Saltsburg May 15, 1829.
Saltsburg remains basically unchanged representing the typical village which thrived as a result of the canal. With the death of the canal, Saltsburg suffered and economic and demographic decline. The canal could not compete with the dawning of the industrial age and steam power. Before mid-century, the canal was replaced by railroad.
Railroad construction began to advance toward Saltsburg between 1845 and 1854. Contracts were awarded for a railroad bridge spanning the Kiskiminetas River (the piers are still standing) and a passenger and freight station to be located in Saltsburg in 1855 - 1856 by the Northwestern Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
Saltsburg resident and Pennsylvania Senator Samuel S. Jamison was the contractor for both the stone bridge carrying the railroad across the Kiskiminetas River, and for the brick railroad station located on Point Street and Plum Alley (now the Municipal Building). Both contracts were sublet to local, noted master stone mason, John Martin.
The Northwestern Pennsylvania Railroad Company went bankrupt in 1859, but a new company was formed. In 1860, the Western Pennsylvania Railroad Company continued the construction. on September 10, 1864, the first train crossed the high bridge into Saltsburg.
Lock #8 was filled in, the gates on the north end of the lock carefully lowered onto the floor of the lock, hoping no doubt that they would be discovered someday. (They were in 1989 by archeologists doing exploratory digs on the canal.) The large, fine cut stones from the lock were removed and used to build the Soldiers Monument in Edgewood Cemetery.
From 1882 until 195-54, Saltsburg had both freight and passenger service. In 1954, the railroad was relocated, this time out of town. The canal and the railroad were the great transportation systems of the nineteenth century. Both were Saltsburg's link to the rest of the economic world and were responsible for the little town's growth and decline.
Text for Our History and Mainline Canal was written by Ann Palmer and Gloria Berringer Downes and is taken from "A Walking Tour Of Historic Saltsburg" and used with permission of Historic Saltsburg, Incorporated. Copyright © 1994.
To be announced
The folowing items are not permitted: construction materials, chemicals, oil or gas, hazardous materials, tires paint, freon, TV's or computers.
Please bag or bundle all items.
2024 Recycling Days Are Weekend Of:
March 8
May 3
June 14
August 2
October 18
Recycling bins will be set up on Water Street in the parking lot across from ParMar/BP. #1 and #2 plastics (no bags), glass, aluminum/tin/steel cans, newspapers and catalogs are accepted.
Farmer's Market will be set up on the Canal on the following Thursdays (weather permitting):
June 20th
July 11th and 18th
August 1st and 15th
September 5th and 26th
Every Tuesday, 9:00am-10:am, Saltsburg Social Center. $2.50 for home cooked French Toast or pancakes, bacon or sausage, scrambled eggs, toast, coffee, juice.
Every Wednesday,5:00pm-6:00pm. $3.50. You must call at least 24 hours in advance for dinner reservations.
Games, Crafters, Food, Local Artisians and More... Check back for 2023's event schedule.
Saltsburg Borough Council meetings are held on the first Monday of the month. If the Monday is a holiday, the meeting will be held on Tuesday.
Relax and enjoy time with your friends and family at any of the several restaurants in Saltsburg.
So many trails, so little time...
Saltsburg is surrounded with miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking. Beginning in Saltsburg, you can travel on the West Penn Trail on any of the 3 trails intersecting Saltsburg:
Additional trail sections include
And if you are feeling adventurous, try the annual Stony - Kiski - Conemaugh Rivers Sojourn or the annual West Penn Trail Triathlon , both sponsored by the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy.
Source: The Conemaugh Valley Conservancy
Spend a day on the Conemaugh and Kiskiminetas Rivers with your friends. Experience the miles of Pennsylvania's beautiful river scenery. Bring your own boat/canoe/kayak or rent one locally.
Discover the rich history of Saltsburg PA. Start at the Rebecca B. Hadden Stone House Museum (pictured) where you can examine centuries of artifacts. Take a walk through the Historic Saltsburg Canal and downtown area and find century’s of architecture. See how the 1889 Johnstown Flood affected the community where water levels reached 10 feet. Study how Saltsburg went from a small industrial center with its salt mines and glass works, along with surrounding coal mines, to a quiet suburban community located 35 east of Pittsburgh. Finally, see how the canals transformed into railroads and now into the West Penn Trail. There is a lot to explore in Saltsburg.
Saltsburg Borough
320 Point Street
P.O. Box 104
Saltsburg, PA 15681-0104
724-639-9413
salt@comcast.net
Mon-Fri, 8:30-5:00
Karen M. Cumberledge, Mayor
Paul Hruska, President
Terry D Cumberledge, Vice-President
John Lombardo
Jill Rabbe
Joe Penta
Michele Jesko
Lorrie Johnson
SECRETARY/TREASURER: Christina J. Pemberton
ASSISTANT SECRETARY:
SOLICITOR: Wayne Kablack - Simpson, Kablack & Bell, Indiana, PA.
BOROUGH ENGINEER, Gibson-Thomas Engineers
Chief of Police
BOROUGH CREW
Robby Kelly
Don Kelly, Sewage Plant Consultant
TAX COLLECTOR:
Judith Parise
507 Walnut Street
412-979-3090
Hours: Call for appoitment
Saltsburg Borough: 1.9 mils
Indiana County: 19.83 mils
Blairsville-Saltsburg Schools: 159.1 mils
Saltsburg Borough: $5.00
Indiana County: $5.00
Blairsville-Saltsburg Schools: $5.00 Act 511 & $5.00 Act 679
Saltsburg Borough: .5 percent
Blairsville-Saltsburg Schools: .75%
Saltsburg Borough: Occupation - 20 mils ($2.00 annually)
Sewage: $70.00 per month (residential)
Water: $61.79 first 3,000 gallons plus $8.57 per thousand gallons thereafter, plus $1.00 capacity surcharge.
Refuse Collection: $32.00 or $38.00 per quarter depending on number of bags. (Residential pick up Thursday nights)
Allegheny Power
1-800-255-3443
www.saltsburg.org
Comcast Cable
1-888-COMCAST
Dominion Peoples
1-800-764-0111
Bankosh Sanitation, LLC
724-461-4185
Saltsburg Sewage
724-639-9413
Verizon
Residential Service:
1-800-483-4000
Commercial Service:
1-800-483-5000
Water-MAWC
1-888-467-8047
SALTSBURG FREE LIBRARY
Sschoolhouse Square
SALTSBURG FOOD BANK
Community Building
3rd Thursday of every month, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Herb Society of Historic Saltsburg
Indiana University of
Pennsylvania
1011 South Drive, Indiana, PA 15701
724-357-2230, 800-442-6830
The Kiski School
1888 Brett Lane
724-639-3586
www.saltsburg.org
Saltsburg Area Schools
84 Trojan Lane
724-639-3547
Faith Alliance Church of Saltsburg
820 Wood St.
724-910-0513
Saltsburg Baptist Church
2821 State Route 286
724-639-9232
www.saltsburg.org
Saltsburg Presbyterian Church
517 Salt Street
724-639-9814
United Methodist Church
813 Salt Street
724-639-9454
Sons of Zebedee Lutheran Church
422 Salt Street
724-639-3411
Trinity United Presbyterian Church
Clarksburg, PA 15725
724-639-3622
Saint Matthews Church
703 Indiana Avenue
724-639-3690
Avonmore Borough
Cherry Tree Borough
Monday, December 9, 2024
Would you like to include your business in our free local listings, add an event to our free calendar, or advertise on saltsburg.org? Then Contact Us .
Reach the people that matter to you!
(All addresses Saltsburg, PA 15681 unless otherwise noted.)
www.saltsburg.org
Reggies Pet Boutique
Corner Washington & Salt St.
724-433-1259
Counseling Wellness of Indiana County, LLC
637 Philadelphia St, Suite 402
Indiana Theater Building
Indiana PA 15701
724-717-6481
www.saltsburg.org
Five Points Veterinary Services, LLC.
117 Salem Drive
New Alexandria, 15670
724-702-0160
Reggies Pet Boutique
Corner Washington & Salt St.
724-433-1259
Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
Sat 10:00 - Noon
Obedience Training, Pet Supplies
Ridgeview Veterinary Clinc
295 Bergman Road
Derry, PA, 15627
724-537-7359
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D & L Small Engine Repair
301 Route 286 West
724-639-1330
Emanuel's Auto Repair, Inc.
Nowrytown Road, RD
724-639-9696
Ferguson Glass
731 Church Street,
New Kensington, PA
724-639-8606
ParMar/BP
102 Washington Street
724-639-9776
Salt Street Service
402 Salt Street
724-702-0073
Sunoco
Gas, Snacks, and More!
2937 Rt 286 (across from Kiski)
724-702-0095
Daily 6:00am-9:00pm
Superior Parts of Saltsburg [NAPA]
532 Salt Street
724-639-3508
Skips Auto Repair
formerly Testa Automotive
2788 Rt. 286 W.
724-639-3812
Tim's Auto Body & Towing
R.R. 3, Box 805
724-639-9522
The Dust Busters Cleaning Company LLC
Residential and Commercial cleaning
419 Point Street
412-769-4328
Power Graphics
825 Salt Street
724-639-9527
www.saltsburg.org
Fox's Pizza
616 Salts Street
724-639-0388
John's Pizzaria
Pizza, Subs & More
607 Salt Street
724-639-9797
T-Sa 3:00 pm-9:00 pm
Sun 3:00 pm-8:00 pm
Monday Closed
Point Street Tavernt
117 Point Street
724-702-0370
Saltsburg Inn
617 Salt Street
724-639-9057
REALMS OF CATERING'S ROADSIDE EATERY
2895 State Route 380 At Routes 286 & 380
724-219-9803
Saltsburg Subway
301 Route 286 West
724-639-1330
www.saltsburg.org
Brian J. Shirley
Certified Public Accountant
305 Slate Street
724-639-3900
H&R Block
Donna Lake
223 Washington Street
724-639-3913
S&T Bank
602 Salts Street
724-639-9100
Mark C. Cable Insurance
210 Washington Street
724-639-9793
Liberty Galleria, LLC
614 Salt Street
724-572-7054
Town & Country Antiques
216 Cunkleman Road
724-639-9374
FLORISTS
Barb's Floral Design
Special Occasion Florals
724-639-3431 or 724-639-1050
vqw314@yahoo.com
Fancy Floral Boutique
533 Salt Street
724-639-8413
Laurel Valley Chiropractic Clinic
601 Salt Street
724-639-3117
John Tollari, DMD
307 Point Street
724-639-3399
Saltsburg Family Health Center
101 9th Street
724-639-3541
Saltsburg Pharmacy
237 Washington Street
724-639-9022
Keystone Rehabilitation Systems
612 Salt Street
724-639-8300
Counseling Wellness of Indiana County, LLC
637 Philadelphia St, Suite 402
Indiana Theater Building
Indiana PA 15701
724-717-6481
Andree Equipment
R.D. 1
724-639-9809
www.saltsburg.org
Boss Machinery
816R Salt Street
724-639-9384
Building Technology
320 Leech Avenue
724-639-9642
Bulldog Plumbing
2506 Nowertown Road
724-704-0943
Emery Tree Service
412-969-1018 or 412-889-9776
McElhinny Plumbing
P.O. Box 173
Slickville, 15684
724-668-7943
Stan Pizer, General Contractor
242 9th Street
724-639-3146
Tuscano-Maher Roofing, Incorporated
373 Moween Road
724-639-9687
Berlin's Heating & A/C
R.D. 2
724-639-9774
Cartwright's HVAC
724-393-4800
Fruechtel A/C, Heating & Refrigeration
743 Bell Point Road,
Apollo, PA 15613
724-727-3875
www.saltsburg.org
Shirley Heating & AC
48 Shirley Drive
724-639-3977
The Lumber Store and More
R.R. 3, Box 836
724-639-9663
SURVEYOR'S
David E. Lentz, Professional Land Surveyor
P.O. Box 16
New Alexandria, PA 15670
724-639-0086
Alex's Lawn Maintenance
724-972-7148
Boden's Lawn Care Saltsburg Pa
724-396-9608
Dave's Dynamic Restorations
Furniture repair and restoration
700 Canal Street
724-771-7272
The Dust Busters Cleaning Company LLC
Residential and Commercial cleaning
419 Point Street
412-769-4328
Aggie's Country Market
Stapleton's Market
401 Route 286 West
724-702-0326
Fueland/BP
102 Washington Street
724-639-9976
Saltsburg Beverage
405 Leech Avenue
724-639-9031
Saltsburg Shop 'N Save
543 Salt Street
724-639-3637
Sharer's BP
301 Route 286 West
724-639-3432
www.saltsburg.org
Breeze Industrial Products
3582 Tunnelton Road
724-639-3571
Winchester Industries
Route 286
724-639-3551
Cornerstone Gardens
R.D. 1, Clarksburg, PA 15725
724-639-3337
www.saltsburg.org
Susan's Greenhouse
301 Perrysville Road
724-697-5092
All American Barber Shop
222 Point Street
724-639-3610
BEAUTY SALONS
Clips Under The Red Roof
137 Wildwood Drive (Loyalhanna Woodlands)
724-639-8334
Shaleena's House of Pampering
301 Point Street, Suit 1
724-762-5794
Visit website for hours and appointments
S & L Hair Salon
603 Salt Street
724-639-9211
Kirstie's Creations
840 Hopewell
724-702-0243
Styling by Charlene
407 Cathedral Street
724-639-9914
Linda Brown's Beauty Salon
516 Salts Street
724-237-6468
www.saltsburg.org
Betty Waugaman Beauty Shop
102 4th Street
724-639-3944
Happy Hearts Home Daycare
Loyalhanna Woodlands
724-541.3051
Hopewell Child Care Center
233 Leech Avenue
724-639-9509
Master Cleaners
623 Market Street
724-639-9410
Home & Garden Party
with Betty J. Shinsky
126 Bortz Road
724-668-7174
shinsky@alltel.net
www.homeandgardenparty.com
Curran Funeral Home, Inc.
701 Salt Street
724-639-3911
Schoolhouse Square Apartments
Apartments available!
416 Market Street
Saltsburg, PA 15681
724-801-8150
Saltsburg Senior Citizens Center
212 Point Street
724-639-9055
Rebecca B. Hadden Stone House Museum
105 Point Street
Country Meadows Golf Course
R.D. 1, Clarksburg, PA 15725
724-639-97999
Bee's Guns
R.D. 3
724-639-9707
www.saltsburg.org
Full Draw Archery
418 Leech Avenue
724-639-9572
Saltsburg Kayak & Canoe
Outfitters
111 Market Street
724-252-8520
Simpson's Taxidermy Studio & Bait Shop
R.D. 3, Box 75T
724-639-9567
Two Dam Kayak Rentals
3253 State Route 981
724-541-7447 or 724-702-0155
Daily Dawn until Dusk
VIDEO RENTALS
Saltsburg Shop 'N Save
543 Salt Street
724-639-3637
Indiana County Transit Authority .
Stewart Bus Line
RD 1, Box 82B, Avonmore, PA 15618
Smith Bus Company
217 Old William Penn Highway, Blairsville, PA 15717
724-459-6930
Westmoreland County Transit Authority
724-834-9282 or 1-800-221-9282
Medical Assistance Transportation: 724-832-2706
ADA Paratransit Service: 724-832-2211 or 1-800-242-2706
C. E. Limo
R.R. 3, Box 968
800-222-8898
TAXI
Byers Taxi Service, Inc.
510 Hancock Avenue,
Vandergrift, PA 15690
724-576-5664
TRUCKING / HAULING
Cable Trucking, Incorporated
R.R. 3, Box 968
724-639-9043
McGuire Trucking, Inc.,
254 Muffley Hollow Road
724-697-4471
Wellsite Solutions Gas & Oil Well Consulting
813 High Street
724-639-3058 Fax 724-639-0065
Salt Street Laundry
Wash & Fold Service
502 Salt Street
724-972-6311
Indiana
Gazette
724-465-5555
www.saltsburg.org
Saltsburg News
300 Point Street
724-639-9607
QUARRY
Hoover's Stone Quarry, LLC
3497 Route 981
724-639-9813
8:00-4:30, Monday - Friday