Introduction to New Castle, Pennsylvania
New Castle, Pennsylvania, in Lawrence county, is 17 miles E of Youngstown, Ohio (center to center) and 43 miles NW of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It's situated along the Shenango River and is regarded as the region's commercial center. The municipality is home to Zambelli Fireworks, one of the largest fireworks and pyrotechnics companies in the world. It's known as the "Fireworks Capital of America." New Castle is a rust belt city.
The streets and sidewalks of the downtown were rebuilt to have the appearance of the turn of the 19th century. The downtown is home to the regional headquarters of Huntington, First Commonwealth and First Merit banks. New Castle has an ethnically diverse population.
New Castle History
The town developed as an industrial center due to construction of a nearby canal system. In the 1870s New Castle was a primary center for the Pittsburgh and Lake Eire Railroad. By 1900 it was one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. During this time, it had one of the largest tin plate mills in the country. Paper mills, steel, a bronze bushing factory, foundries and car construction facilities were significant factors for the economy. The Shenango Pottery produced fine china for the White House.
New Castle Attractions
- Zambelli Plaza
- The New Castle Dry Goods Company building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places
- The Cascade was the first Warner Bros. theater and has been refurbished
- Arts and Heritage Festival
- The annual Fireworks Festival occurs during the summer
- A summer concert series occurs at Cascade Park
- Light Up Night Parade
- A "Cascade of Lights" can be seen during the winter at Historic Cascade Park
- New Castle Playhouse
New Castle Activities
Visitors often explore the Amish countryside. The area includes quaint villages and historic sites. North Country Trail, Moraine State Park and Ellwood City Creek are often used for recreational activities. The nearby Lake Arthur is a popular destination for families. McConnell's Mill and Moraine state parks provide opportunities for fishing, hiking, bicycle riding, boating, camping and kayaking. The new Castle Country Club, Tanglewood and Castle Hills are quality golf courses. A wide variety of activities and entertainment are about an hour away in Pittsburgh.
New Castle Transportation
New Castle Transit Authority offers bus services for the city and also provides transportation to Pittsburgh.