Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|
 Entrance to Wilkinsburg's municipal building and library, 605 Ross Avenue | |
 Logo | |
 Location inAllegheny County and the U.S. state ofPennsylvania. | |
| Coordinates:40°26′38″N79°52′39″W / 40.44389°N 79.87750°W /40.44389; -79.87750 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Allegheny |
| Named after | John Wilkins Jr. |
| Area | |
• Total | 2.25 sq mi (5.83 km2) |
| • Land | 2.25 sq mi (5.83 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Population | |
• Total | 14,349 |
| • Density | 6,369.2/sq mi (2,459.15/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| FIPS code | 42-85188 |
| Website | www |
Wilkinsburg is aborough inAllegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. The borough has a population of 14,349 as of the2020 census.[3] Wilkinsburg is part of thePittsburgh metropolitan area. The borough was named forJohn Wilkins Jr., a United States Army officer who served as Quartermaster General of the United States Army from 1796 to 1802.[4]
Wilkinsburg is located in an area of theAppalachian Plateau where various land and water transportation routes join, an area which historicallyNative Americans inhabited, for thousands of years. Geologically, Wilkinsburg centers on a valley going through the hills located east of the three rivers confluence: namely, theAllegheny River, theMonongahela River, and theOhio River. The Wilkinsburg valley eased passage by land through the barrier of theAppalachian Mountains, for example travel to and fromPhiladelphia and otherAtlantic coast areas, including travel through theCumberland Gap. The nearby meeting of the three rivers facilitated passage by water and by land alongside the rivers, which eventually joining the south-flowingMississippi River, meeting theGulf of Mexico, and so linking with oceanic trade. This made Wilkinsburg a nexus for divergent routes, where travel from the east and from travel from the south intersected, together with other transportation routes to the north and west. A vital section of the major land road or pathway passage to the east is nowPenn Avenue, still a main street of Wilkinsburg.
In the early 1700s, European traders arrived, and by mid-century had some established colonial sites, includingFort Duquesne, established byFrance. Subsequently, the general area became a major battleground during theFrench and Indian Wars, during whichGeorge Washington (who passed through what is now Wilkinsburg in 1753,[5] on a diplomatic mission to French territory),Edward Braddock, andJohn Forbes gained a place in history, each built roads and otherwise enhanced the land transportation routes. TheFrench and Indian War (1754–1763) was fought between France,England, and various Native groups for territorial control. France lost control of the area in 1758. British forces builtFort Pitt between 1759 and 1761, near the three river junction. France subsequently relinquished claims on the area. In 1776, the British colonies declared independence, and theTreaty of Paris (1783) confirmed the area west of the Appalachians as part of the newly formed United States. In 1780, Pennsylvania and Virginia agreed to extend theMason–Dixon line westward, and the region became part of Pennsylvania, settling a dispute of which state Wilkinsburg would end up being a part of. TheTreaty of Fort Stanwix (1784) resulted in theIroquois Nations also relinquishing their claims to the area, but this was not necessarily the case for other Native American polities.
In the 1800s, trade was increasingly augmented by major mining and manufacturing operations. The general area's population continued to proliferate from the late 1800s and the early 1900s, with numerous immigrants from various parts of Europe and African Americans of theGreat Migration migrating from the Southern United States. For Wilkinsburg, this process sometimes proceeded slowly and sometimes more rapidly.
The Land Company of the Colony of Pennsylvania began to offer deeds in the general area to become Wilkinsburg in 1769. Andrew Levi Levy Sr., purchased 266 acres of woodland, to which he officially gave the name of Africa (for reasons which remain obscure).[6] In 1788, Levy sold his deed toWilliam Thompson (a retired brigadier general who had served in theContinental Army during theAmerican Revolutionary War). Thompson died shortly after, and the land was sold to Col. Dunning McNair (the father ofDunning R. McNair, who would become thesergeant at arms of the United States Senate, 1853–1861).[7]
Dunning McNair was a significant landholder. In 1790, Dunning McNair laid out a village called McNairstown on the "Great Road" later known asPenn Avenue.[8] In a deed dated September 1812, McNair deeded land to a certain Patrick Green, by which Wilkinsburgh was officially registered. In 1825, Dunning McNair died. By 1812, the village was referred to as "Wilkinsburgh" in honor ofJohn Wilkins Jr.,[9] a wartime friend of McNair.
James Kelly began a half-century or so of heavy involvement with the area when he paid $12,000 for McNair's former land, which Kelly subsequently added to. James Kelly was involved in much of the civic, religious, educational and other activities during this period.[10] In 1873 the City of Pittsburgh annexed a portion ofWilkins Township containing Wilkinsburg, but less than three years later, a legal action reversed the annexation.[11]
On October 5, 1887, Wilkinsburg separated from the recently created Sterrett Township to become an independent borough.[12]
Although the borough has been economically depressed in recent years, many efforts are being made to change this. In 2004, thePittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation launched initiatives in partnership with its for-profit development affiliate, Landmark Development Corporation, to begin restoration work on historic structures in Wilkinsburg's Hamnett Place neighborhood. Within a decade, more than 70 structures were improved, a new neighborhood center was opened, and the community's supply ofaffordable housing was increased. The collaborators were subsequently honored with the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award to recognize their accomplishments.[13][14] During this time, theHamnett Historic District was also established; that historic district was then approved on June 28, 2010, for listing on theNational Register of Historic Places.[15]
In 2015, the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation and its for-profit affiliate, Landmark Development Corporation, entered into a collaboration with Falconhurst Development to begin an $11.5 million multi-site restoration within and near the Hamnett Historic District. In addition to restoring four vacant buildings which had been built sometime around the beginning of the 20th century, the developer had plans to open a series of new townhouses in the same area by 2016, with the collaborators again indicating that the housing would be affordable, based onUnited States Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) guidelines. The ground was broken on the project in late September 2015.[16]
Modernbroadcasting as known in its current form began when Wilkinsburg residentFrank Conrad spearheaded a radio laboratory at his home, coordinated withWestinghouse Electric Corporation and theUnited States Signal Corps, under a specialwar time permit (using call signs 2-WM and 2-WE).[17] After moving fromSwissvale to Wilkinsburg, Conrad installed a radio station on the top floor of his backyard two-story garage, with a microphone, where he worked into the wee hours of the morning, eventually resulting in the development of modern broadcasting, asdo it yourself listeners who had made their owncrystal radio sets began to respond, some quite enthused by the music broadcast when Frank Conrad coupled a phonograph to radio. Wilkinsburg thus became the original location for modern broadcasting, combining the concepts of "the station, the audience, the programs, and a means to pay for the programs" after Conrad accepted a donation from a Wilkinsburg music store to promote its musical offerings.[18] This was all before and leading up toKDKA and the development of commercial radio.[19] In 1916, KDKA began broadcasting, as experimental station 8XK, from the Westinghouse plant in East Pittsburgh and in a small garage owned byFrank Conrad, before it was launched with its current call letters on November 2, 1920. In 1923, Wilkinsburg-basedRussian immigrantVladimir Zworykin designed and patented theiconoscope, the photocell "eye" of early television cameras. Today, ABC affiliateWTAE-TV is located in the borough on Ardmore Boulevard.
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 2.3 square miles (6.0 km2), all land.
Wilkinsburg has ten borders, includingPenn Hills Township to the northeast,Churchill to the east,Forest Hills to the southeast,Edgewood to the south,Swissvale to the southwest, and the Pittsburgh neighborhoods ofRegent Square,Point Breeze, andNorth Point Breeze to the west,Homewood South to the northwest, andEast Hills to the north.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 1,529 | — | |
| 1890 | 4,662 | 204.9% | |
| 1900 | 11,886 | 155.0% | |
| 1910 | 18,924 | 59.2% | |
| 1920 | 24,403 | 29.0% | |
| 1930 | 29,639 | 21.5% | |
| 1940 | 29,853 | 0.7% | |
| 1950 | 31,418 | 5.2% | |
| 1960 | 30,066 | −4.3% | |
| 1970 | 26,780 | −10.9% | |
| 1980 | 23,669 | −11.6% | |
| 1990 | 21,080 | −10.9% | |
| 2000 | 19,196 | −8.9% | |
| 2010 | 15,930 | −17.0% | |
| 2020 | 14,349 | −9.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[20] | |||
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[21] | Pop 2010[22] | Pop 2020[23] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 5,558 | 4,427 | 4,517 | 28.95% | 27.79% | 31.48% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 12,684 | 10,514 | 8,357 | 66.08% | 66.00% | 58.24% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 67 | 59 | 23 | 0.35% | 0.37% | 0.16% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 155 | 161 | 243 | 0.81% | 1.01% | 1.69% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 12 | 3 | 2 | 0.06% | 0.02% | 0.01% |
| Other Race alone (NH) | 67 | 30 | 105 | 0.35% | 0.19% | 0.73% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 437 | 447 | 686 | 2.28% | 2.81% | 4.78% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 216 | 289 | 416 | 1.13% | 1.81% | 2.90% |
| Total | 19,196 | 15,930 | 14,349 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of thecensus[24] of 2000, there were 19,196 people, 9,138 households, and 4,477 families residing in the borough. The population density was 8,335.1 inhabitants per square mile (3,218.2/km2). There were 10,696 housing units at an average density of 4,644.3 per square mile (1,793.2/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 29.25%White, 66.51%African American, 0.38%Native American, 0.81%Asian, 0.06%Pacific Islander, 0.55% fromother races, and 2.44% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 1.13% of the population.
There were 9,138 households, out of which 22.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 24.3% weremarried couples living together, 20.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.0% were non-families. 44.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.06, and the average family size was 2.91.
In the borough, the population was spread out, with 23.4% under 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.0 males.
The median income for a household in the borough was $26,621, and the median income for a family was $33,412. Males had a median income of $26,813 versus $26,196 for females. Theper capita income was $16,890. About 15.9% of families and 18.7% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 30.8% of those under age 18 and 14.2% of those age 65 or over.
Wilkinsburg was founded and developed by highly religious European immigrants. The borough has a remarkably high concentration ofchurches, mostlyProtestant, which is unusual in a predominantlyCatholic region of the country. According to borough leader James Kelly, the reversal of Wilkinsburg's annexation to Pittsburgh in the 1870s was to maintain the community's religious integrity. Wilkinsburg was known during this time by many as "The Holy City".
Wilkinsburg Borough has a Community Art and Civic Design Commission charged with review and legislation for "new and renovated structures, infrastructure, landscapes, works of art, memorials, and monuments on all public property and on all private property designated for commercial use."[25] Due to its location inAllegheny County, and especially its proximity to Pittsburgh, Wilkinsburg is in the neighborhood for numerous opportunities for experiences in art and culture.
The most notable agent of revitalization and development in Wilkinsburg is the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC), a non-profit incorporated in 2007 with a mission "to promote the revitalization of Wilkinsburg through business & residential development; organizational & individual civic leadership; and ethnic & cultural diversity".[26] Their notable community programs include classes for local entrepreneurs, classes on home buying, community events, and the Vacant Home Tour. The WCDC focuses primarily on the Wilkinsburg Business District, the area around the intersection of Penn Avenue and Wood Street.The WCDC's Business District Revitalization Plan promotes a "flourishing commercial and retail environment in Wilkinsburg" and consists of planning and policy recommendations.[27] In May 2015, the WCDC's advocacy resulted in an approved liquor license referendum, legalizing the sale of up to five restaurant liquor licenses in the borough, which had been a dry community since 1935.[28]
In 1899 the Wilkinsburg library was founded as a branch of theBraddock library (which was the first of theCarnegie libraries in the nation).[29]
Wilkinsburg has several parks of various sizes. The largest is Hunter Park, which at almost nine acres includes sports courts, fields, playground equipment, and woodland. There are also six smaller parks.
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| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third Parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 12%1,102 | 86%7,392 | 0.6%55 |
| 2016 | 8%628 | 91%7,341 | 1%121 |
| 2012 | 9%747 | 90%7,876 | 1%86 |
Wilkinsburg is aborough, located in theU.S. Commonwealth ofPennsylvania; which means that Wilkinsburg is a self-governingmunicipal entity, of the sort often thought of as atown. Wilkinsburg Borough is organized into three wards: First, Second, and Third.
Overall oversight of Wilkinsburg Borough is by the borough council. The borough council generally consists of nine elected representatives, three from each ward. Wilkinsburg has or has associated various boards, committees, and authorities. Wilkinsburg also has a mayor and a borough manager. Wilkinsburg Borough authorities, boards, and commissions include the Civil Service Commission, the Community Art and Civic Design Commission, the Citizens Advisory Commission on Shade Trees, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Planning Commission, the Zoning Hearing Board, the Board of Library Directors, the Industrial and Commercial Development Authority, and the Municipal Authority.
Public education is handled by the Wilkinsburg School District's board of directors, in combination with the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, thePennsylvania Department of Education, and the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The domain of public education is separate from that of the borough.
Wilkinsburg water and sewage services are provided through amunicipal authority, the Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority, a coalition serving several communities. The Wilkinsburg Borough Council appoints three members to the board.
Wilkinsburg voters voted predominantly for theDemocratic Party in the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections.
Wilkinsburg was home to the infamous Larimer Avenue-Wilkinsburg (LAW) Gang, which the federal government indicted under theRacketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The indictment started in 1995 when the federal government investigated and arrested many people with criminal ties or activities. Overall, crime in Wilkinsburg is higher than in outlying neighborhoods on average. However, crime has slightly declined in recent years.[33][34]
On March 1, 2000, Wilkinsburg received national attention when Ronald Taylor killed three people and wounded two others in a racially motivated shooting spree that occurred in part at the localBurger King andMcDonald's restaurants.[35]
On March 9, 2016, five people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in a shooting at a cook-out in Wilkinsburg. The city council has many plans to beautify the neighborhood and repair many of the vacant homes such as the apartment building on 855 Rebecca Avenue.[36] Furthermore, Vice President of the City Council recently started Wilkinsburg Community Conversations, whereby community members have the opportunity to discuss current issues the borough is facing.[37][38][39][40]
In its early history, education in Wilkinsburg was completely private. Many schools were started by different teachers and held in their homes. The Wilkinsburg Academy, founded in 1852, was the beginning of large-scale schooling. The borough adopted the Free Common School Act of 1834 in 1840; James Kelly loaned money for the first common school, which served until 1850. From this time, the number of students rose exponentially. By 1910, there were 4,253 students in six public schools.[41] Today, Wilkinsburg School District consists of two elementary schools, Kelly Primary and Turner Intermediate schools. Due to lack of funding, Wilkinsburg's Junior and Senior High schools closed in 2016. The district now outsources Junior and Senior High School education toWestinghouse High School in thePittsburgh Public School district.
Wilkinsburg is also home to the SisterThea Bowman Catholic Academy. This is aCatholic elementary school which was formed as a merger of St. James School in Wilkinsburg and Holy Rosary inHomewood (Pittsburgh). The new school is housed in the former St. James School building and educates children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
Wilkinsburg is located at the nexus of various transportation systems, including road, rail, and river.
Wilkinsburg is located along historic roadways. For example, since 1913 Wilkinsburg is one of the locations transversed by the Lincoln Highway.[42] The historic Lincoln Highway runs fromTimes Square in New York City toLincoln Park in San Francisco. The Lincoln Highway legacy includes Penn Avenue and Ardmore Boulevard in Wilkinsburg: these are State Route 8 and Federal Route 30.[43] Penn Avenue was even earlier along the main trajectory of theForbes Road, which was used by British officerJohn Forbes to lead a military expedition to attack the French position atFort Duquesne (laterFort Pitt), in 1758, as part of theSeven Years' War (1756–1763). Previously British officerEdward Braddock had built a road with the same general trajectory, known asBraddock's Road (beneath which he was later buried), which lead to the French fortifications at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers.
Until September 14, 1975, Wilkinsburg had inter-city passenger rail service. On that dayAmtrak discontinued service, citing a total of 128 passengers boarding or alighting in the first six months of 1975, the lowest system-wide. The last train serving Wilkinsburg was theNational Limited, which operated daily betweenNew York City andKansas City, Missouri.[44] ThePennDOT-operatedParkway Limited provided commuter service to Pittsburgh for nine months in 1981 but was also canceled because of low ridership.[45][46]
Wilkinsburg has multiple stations operated by thePort Authority of Allegheny County, on theMartin Luther King Jr. East Busway:
Historically the confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River created an important transportation nexus. Before the modern road and rail systems transportation along waterways was even more significant than it is today. Wilkinsburg is located between the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers, near to where they meet to form the Ohio River, although Wilkinsburg does not actually border either river.
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