McKees Rocks
McKees Rocks—often colloquially referred to as “The Rocks”—is a borough in Allegheny County on the west side of the city of Pittsburgh teeming with history, culture, and a robust sense of community. This riverside borough, part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, stands as a testament to the region’s rich past, present, and future. McKees Rocks is strategically situated on the southern bank of the Ohio River. The borough covers a total area of 1.12 square miles, with land constituting 1.06 square miles and water covering 0.06 square miles.
Historical Overview
The area has a history that stretches back several thousand years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, specifically the Adena and Hopewell cultures, who are known to have constructed large earthwork mounds in the area, some of which still stand today.
The borough derives its name from Alexander McKee, a trader and Indian agent, who was gifted a 1,300-acre tract of land in 1764 for his services during the French and Indian War. The official name, McKees Rocks, was recorded on a deed in 1769, which is considered the borough’s founding year. The Rocks was formally incorporated as a borough in 1892.
Demographics and Population
As of the 2020 census, the total population of The Rocks was 5,920, with a population density of 5,606.06/sq mi.
Time Zone, Postal, and Area Codes
The borough operates under the Eastern Standard Time (EST) timezone, shifting to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the summer months. The ZIP code for McKees Rocks is 15136, and the area code is 412.
Education and School District
McKees Rocks falls under the jurisdiction of the Sto-Rox School District, which serves both the borough and the neighboring Stowe Township. The local high school is the Sto-Rox High School.
Infrastructure and Landmarks
The borough is home to the Pittsburgh, Allegheny and McKees Rocks Railroad, which is located in an area along the river known as the “Bottoms.” The McKees Rocks Bridge, connecting the borough to Pittsburgh, holds the distinction of being the longest bridge in Allegheny County.
One of the key historical landmarks in the borough is the McKees Rocks Mound, one of the largest Indian mounds in the state, built by the Adena and Hopewell peoples.
Industrial History
In the past, The Rocks was recognized for its extensive iron and steel interests. The city hosted large railroad machine shops and manufacturers of locomotives, freight and passenger cars. Additionally, factories in the area produced a variety of goods, including springs, enamel ware, lumber, wall materials, plaster, nuts and bolts, malleable castings, chains and forgings, tin ware, concrete, and even cigars.
Notable Personalities
McKees Rocks is known as the birthplace of a few notable figures, including former Ohio Governor John Kasich and late television salesperson Billy Mays.
Historical Events and Incidents
The Borough has been the site of several significant historical events. Notably, it was the location of the 1909 McKees Rocks Strike, a pivotal labor conflict of the early 20th century, led by the Industrial Workers of the World.
Geography and Points of Interest
Geographically, McKees Rocks is located at 40°28?13?N 80°3?49?W. The borough boasts of several points of interest, including the multimillion-dollar Father Ryan Cultural Arts Center and the historic McKees Rocks Indian Mound.
Surrounding and Adjacent Neighborhoods
The Rocks is surrounded by a variety of neighborhoods, such as West Park, Meyers Ridge, and “The Bottoms”. It shares land borders with Kennedy Township to the west and Stowe Township to the north. Chartiers Creek separates McKees Rocks from two Pittsburgh neighborhoods, Windgap and Esplen.
In Popular Culture
The neighborhood has found its way into popular culture, being the setting for several novels, including Duffy’s Rocks by Edward Fenton, Riot by William Trautmann, and over a dozen novels by crime writer K. C. Constantine.
Serving as a testament to the rich heritage of Pennsylvania, The Rocks continues to charm visitors and residents alike with its unique blend of history, culture, and community spirit.
