History:

Colonial pioneers began to settle in what is present-day Monroeville around 1769. Many of these early inhabitants were artisans or farmers who lived mainly in one-room log cabins. Without readily available access to larger waterways, families were self-supporting and relied heavily on the land to meet their needs. Any surplus goods were later traded, most likely for seed, in anticipation of a fruitful harvest.

The establishment of a stagecoach line between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia utilizing Northern Pike in the early nineteenth century eliminated the transportation barrier and positioned the area as a major hub. By mid-century, Allegheny County had firmly defined the community as Patton Township. Small, residential clusters included a locale that became known as Monroeville in 1851. The name is a matter of debate among historians who are unsure if this decision came to honor their first postmaster, John Joel Monroe or U.S. President James Monroe (1817-1825).

Improved roads and modern utilities may have greeted residents at the dawn of the twentieth century, but transportation would once again set the next great historical milestone. Construction of the William Penn Highway between 1924 and 1926 brought a new kind of purveyor, one who could offer the traveling motorists everything from gasoline, to meals, to overnight stays. Within ten years, the population of Patton Township had reached close to 2,500.

Following the end of World War II, residents began to migrate from large, urban centers toward suburbia. William Penn Highway was linked with the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the Penn-Lincoln Parkway (I-376) to form a mega-interchange that brought with it an influx of new families and businesses. Officials decided the change to a borough-style government was needed to ensure the proper management of new growth. On a cold, rainy night in November 1950, fifteen residents debated what to call their new community. Suggestions included Chapel Hill, Eastgate, Patton and McCutcheon. Ultimately, they decided on Monroeville because of its hamlet listing on most area maps. The name was changed beginning in 1951 and the first borough council was seated in 1952.

Retail shopping became a linchpin for development when Miracle Mile, the largest shopping center of its kind between New York and Chicago, opened in 1954. Offering 25 national and specialty retailers in one location, it became the forerunner to other modern shopping complexes. Monroeville Mall came 15 years later, ironically built about a “mile” from Miracle Mile. The facility was considered so vast (1.3 million square feet) and featured such a variety of goods that developers joked they could reside there in an emergency. Those comments inspired famed horror director George Romero to use the mall as a setting for his 1978 zombie movie “Dawn of the Dead.”

Strategic proximity created a fertile environment for other industries. U.S. Steel centered numerous research labs here in 1953. Companies like Westinghouse Electric, PPG and Alcoa soon followed based on various product lines. Forbes Regional Hospital saw to the need for health care. Its campus offered a state-of-the-art trauma unit as well as diagnostic imaging, psychiatry, and clinical expertise.

The past 50 years have brought many changes. Since the mid-1970s, Monroeville has operated as a Home Rule Charter Municipality, governed by a seven member council that works in concert with an elected mayor and appointed municipal manager. Neighborhoods have blossomed and businesses have come and gone. Yet, the resolve of our 29,343 residents remains the same…a sustainable community that continues to be a regional trendsetter.