Introduction to Monaca, Pennsylvania
Monaca, Pennsylvania, in Beaver county, is 22 miles NW of Pittsburgh, Pennsvylvania. The town is included in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Monaca History
The first European settler in Monaca was a Polish nobleman Francis Helvidi who bought land in 1813. The town, which was established when Phillips and Grahan established their boatyards, was called Phillipsburgh. Ownership was transferred to several members of the Harmony Society at Economy who established the New Philadelphia Society on the land. On March 6, 1840, the town was incorporated, and its name was changed to Monaca in 1892. The name comes from the Oneida warrior chief Monacatootha, who was a representative of the Iroquois Confederacy. The town was known for its porcelain and glass products.
Monaca and Nearby Attractions
- Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
- Old Economy Village
- Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
- Clayton - Henry Clay Frick Estate
- Moraine State Park
- Raccoon Creek State Park
Things To Do In Monaca
The community established by Harmony Society in the 19th century has been restored at the Old Economy Village. The Bushy Run Battlefield where the Pontiac War occurred in 1763 is accessible from Monaca. The house where the ecologist Rachel Carson lived as a child is preserved at the Rachel Carson Homestead, which has a self guided nature trail. Fishing, boating, bicycling, and swimming opportunities are available at the Moraine State Park on Lake Arthur. The 7,323-acre Raccoon Creek State Park offers boating, hiking, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.
Monaca Transportation
Pittsburgh International Airport is located close to the city.
Monaca Higher Education
The Community College of Beaver County is situated in Monaca. Geneva College, and Penn State Beaver are located close to the town.
