Butler, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
The city of Butler is the county seat
of Butler County
in the U.S. state
of Pennsylvania
, situated 35 miles (56.3 km) north of Pittsburgh. The population was 15,121 at the 2000 census.
, who fell at the Battle of the Wabash
, also known as St. Clair's Defeat, in western Ohio
in 1791.
In 1803 John and Samuel Cunningham became the first settlers in the village of Butler. After settling in Butler, the two brothers laid out the community by drawing up plots of land for more incoming settlers. By 1817, the community was incorporated into a borough. The first settlers were of Irish or Scottish descent and were driving westward from Connecticut
. In 1802 the German immigrants began arriving, with Detmar Basse settling in Jackson Township in 1802 and founding Zelienople
the following year. After George Rapp
arrived in 1805 and founded Harmony
, larger numbers of settlers followed. John A. Roebling
settled Saxonburg
in 1832, by which time most of the county was filled with German settlers.
Throughout most of its history, the city of Butler has been a major manufacturing and industrial center. In 1902, the Standard Steel Car Company
opened one of its largest railcar
manufacturing facilities in Butler. It was here that some of the first all steel rail cars were built. Diamond Jim Brady, the legendary financier, gourmand and gemophile, got his start here in 1902 when he established the Standard Steel Car Company, which merged with the Pullman Palace Car Company in 1934 to create Pullman-Standard, a monopoly that was eventually broken by the government. The Pullman-Standard plant closed in 1982, and was demolished in 2005. The site is now occupied by a strip mall
, as well as the new Butler Transit Authority
intermodal facility. In 2011 the BTA moved a covered hopper
railcar to the bus terminal in recognition of the former Pullman-Standard plant. The car was built at the facility in 1974.
Another notable business headquartered in the city was the American Austin Car Company
(1929–41). The modern Jeep
was created by the company when it was later called American Bantam Car Company. The first prototypes of the vehicle were manufactured at the Butler facility. Big military contracts eventually went to Willys and Ford, and the Bantam factory failed during World War II
. Bantam was also an early producer of small fuel-efficient vehicles.
Butler is home to one of the few original Ford dealers left that Henry Ford authorized when he created the first car dealers.
In the 1950s, Butler became one of the first cities to install bells at cross walks, a common practice today.
The city was linked to Pittsburgh via Mars
in 1907 by the Pittsburgh and Butler Street Railway
and to Evans City
in 1908 by the Pittsburgh, Harmony, Butler and New Castle Railway
, both interurban
trolley lines. The Mars route closed in April 1931, followed by the Evans City line on 15 August 1931 with the trolleys replaced by buses.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 2.7 square miles (7 km²), all of it land.
The Connoquenessing Creek
, which was ranked the second most polluted waterway in the U.S. in 2000, flows through the city.
of 2000, there were 15,121 people, 6,740 households, and 3,626 families residing in the city. The population density
was 5,611.3 people per square mile (2,170.4/km²). There were 7,402 housing units at an average density of 2,746.8 per square mile (1,062.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.52% White, 2.22% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races
, and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.42% of the population.
There were 6,740 households out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.0% were married couples
living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.2% were non-families. 40.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.7% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $25,154, and the median income for a family was $35,893. Males had a median income of $30,607 versus $20,950 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $16,457. About 14.7% of families and 19.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.8% of those under age 18 and 14.5% of those age 65 or over.
There are also a handful of local authors who have written various novels and books on the surrounding area. Stewart O'Nan
's prizewinning novel Snow Angels is set in Butler.
Butler is home to the Butler County Symphony Association which performs at Butler High School's auditorium. There are also many art groups located in the city. They include the Associated Artists of Butler County and the Butler Arts Council.
Butler Road Race a 5-mile and 2-mile race held each summer in June, raises funds for local students in scholarships.
The Butler Fall Festival, held each September, features car shows, ethnic foods, and many representative items from various cultures.
There are two airport
s located outside the city. Butler County Airport
is used for general aviation, and can accommodate large aircraft such as corporate jets. Butler Farm Show Airport is used by pilots with smaller, private aircraft in the Butler area.
.
owned Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad
main line passes through the city, while the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad
provides regional service in the area. The B&P has a large locomotive shop located just outside the city limits.
. The south terminus of PA 38
terminates just north of the city at U.S. Route 422
. U.S. Route 422
skirts the city to the north on the Butler Bypass. PA 68
, and PA 356
go straight through downtown where they intersect with PA 8
. PA 8 is Butler's Main Street when passing through the city.
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Butler County
Butler County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 174,083 people, 65,862 households, and 46,827 families residing in the county. The population density was 221 people per square mile . There were 69,868 housing units at an average density of 89 per square mile...
in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, situated 35 miles (56.3 km) north of Pittsburgh. The population was 15,121 at the 2000 census.
History
Butler was named for Maj. Gen. Richard ButlerRichard Butler (general)
Richard Butler was an officer in the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, who later died fighting American Indians in Ohio.-Early life:...
, who fell at the Battle of the Wabash
St. Clair's Defeat
St. Clair's Defeat also known as the Battle of the Wabash, the Battle of Wabash River or the Battle of a Thousand Slain, was fought on November 4, 1791 in the Northwest Territory between the United States and the Western Confederacy of American Indians, as part of the Northwest Indian War...
, also known as St. Clair's Defeat, in western Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
in 1791.
In 1803 John and Samuel Cunningham became the first settlers in the village of Butler. After settling in Butler, the two brothers laid out the community by drawing up plots of land for more incoming settlers. By 1817, the community was incorporated into a borough. The first settlers were of Irish or Scottish descent and were driving westward from Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. In 1802 the German immigrants began arriving, with Detmar Basse settling in Jackson Township in 1802 and founding Zelienople
Zelienople, Pennsylvania
Zelienople is a borough in Butler County, Pennsylvania, north of Pittsburgh. The population was 4,123 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of , of which 98% is land and 1.35% is water....
the following year. After George Rapp
George Rapp
Johann Georg Rapp was the founder of the religious sect called Harmonists, Harmonites, Rappites, or the Harmony Society....
arrived in 1805 and founded Harmony
Harmony, Pennsylvania
Harmony is a borough in Butler County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 937 at the 2000 census. It is located about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.-Geography:...
, larger numbers of settlers followed. John A. Roebling
John A. Roebling
John Augustus Roebling was a German-born American civil engineer. He is famous for his wire rope suspension bridge designs, in particular, the design of the Brooklyn Bridge.-Early life:...
settled Saxonburg
Saxonburg, Pennsylvania
Saxonburg is a borough in Butler County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,629 as of the 2000 census.- History :Founded in 1832 by John A...
in 1832, by which time most of the county was filled with German settlers.
Throughout most of its history, the city of Butler has been a major manufacturing and industrial center. In 1902, the Standard Steel Car Company
Standard Steel Car Company
The Standard Steel Car Company was a manufacturer of railroad rolling stock in the United States that existed between 1902 and 1934....
opened one of its largest railcar
Railcar
A railcar, in British English and Australian English, is a self-propelled railway vehicle designed to transport passengers. The term "railcar" is usually used in reference to a train consisting of a single coach , with a driver's cab at one or both ends. Some railways, e.g., the Great Western...
manufacturing facilities in Butler. It was here that some of the first all steel rail cars were built. Diamond Jim Brady, the legendary financier, gourmand and gemophile, got his start here in 1902 when he established the Standard Steel Car Company, which merged with the Pullman Palace Car Company in 1934 to create Pullman-Standard, a monopoly that was eventually broken by the government. The Pullman-Standard plant closed in 1982, and was demolished in 2005. The site is now occupied by a strip mall
Strip mall
A strip mall is an open-area shopping center where the stores are arranged in a row, with a sidewalk in front. Strip malls are typically developed as a unit and have large parking lots in front...
, as well as the new Butler Transit Authority
Butler Transit Authority
Butler Transit Authority, operating as TheBus, is a public transportation service located in Butler, Pennsylvania. The goal of the service is to provide mass transit access for the central portion of the county. However, no bus routes run to the heavily suburbanized southern portion of the county...
intermodal facility. In 2011 the BTA moved a covered hopper
Covered hopper
A Covered Hopper is a railroad freight car. They are designed for carrying dry bulk loads, varying from grain to products such as sand and clay. The cover protects the loads from the weather - dried cement would be very hard to unload if mixed with water in transit, while grain would be liable to...
railcar to the bus terminal in recognition of the former Pullman-Standard plant. The car was built at the facility in 1974.
Another notable business headquartered in the city was the American Austin Car Company
American Austin Car Company
The American Austin Car Company was a United States automobile manufacturing corporation tied to the British Austin Motor Company. The company was founded in 1929, and produced motorcars from 1930 through 1934, when it filed for bankruptcy....
(1929–41). The modern Jeep
Jeep
Jeep is an automobile marque of Chrysler . The first Willys Jeeps were produced in 1941 with the first civilian models in 1945, making it the oldest off-road vehicle and sport utility vehicle brand. It inspired a number of other light utility vehicles, such as the Land Rover which is the second...
was created by the company when it was later called American Bantam Car Company. The first prototypes of the vehicle were manufactured at the Butler facility. Big military contracts eventually went to Willys and Ford, and the Bantam factory failed during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Bantam was also an early producer of small fuel-efficient vehicles.
Butler is home to one of the few original Ford dealers left that Henry Ford authorized when he created the first car dealers.
In the 1950s, Butler became one of the first cities to install bells at cross walks, a common practice today.
The city was linked to Pittsburgh via Mars
Mars, Pennsylvania
Mars is a borough in Butler County, Pennsylvania, USA. The population was 1,746 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Mars is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of , all of it land....
in 1907 by the Pittsburgh and Butler Street Railway
Pittsburgh and Butler Street Railway
The Pittsburgh and Butler Street Railway, commonly called the Butler Short Line, was a broad gauge interurban streetcar line connecting Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States to Butler via Mars.-History:...
and to Evans City
Evans City, Pennsylvania
Evans City is a borough in Butler County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,009 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Evans City is located at ....
in 1908 by the Pittsburgh, Harmony, Butler and New Castle Railway
Pittsburgh, Harmony, Butler and New Castle Railway
The Pittsburgh, Harmony, Butler and New Castle Railway, commonly called the Harmony Line, was a broad gauge interurban streetcar line connecting Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States to Butler and New Castle via Harmony and a split at Evans City...
, both interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
trolley lines. The Mars route closed in April 1931, followed by the Evans City line on 15 August 1931 with the trolleys replaced by buses.
Geography
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 2.7 square miles (7 km²), all of it land.
The Connoquenessing Creek
Connoquenessing Creek
Connoquenessing Creek is a tributary of the Beaver River, approximately 50 mi long, in Western Pennsylvania in the United States.-Course:...
, which was ranked the second most polluted waterway in the U.S. in 2000, flows through the city.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 15,121 people, 6,740 households, and 3,626 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 5,611.3 people per square mile (2,170.4/km²). There were 7,402 housing units at an average density of 2,746.8 per square mile (1,062.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.52% White, 2.22% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.42% of the population.
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.2% were non-families. 40.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.7% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $25,154, and the median income for a family was $35,893. Males had a median income of $30,607 versus $20,950 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $16,457. About 14.7% of families and 19.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.8% of those under age 18 and 14.5% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
(Major employers)- AK Steel
- Armstrong Group of CompaniesArmstrong Group of Companies-History:Armstrong Group of Companies began in 1946 and was originally called Armstrong County Line Construction. Founded by Jud L. Sedwick, the company was headquartered in Kittanning, Armstrong County, in Pennsylvania...
- Penn United Technologies
- VA Butler HealthcareVA Butler HealthcareVA Butler Healthcare is a Health Care Center operated by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Serving over 18,000 veterans in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.The medical center is part of the VISN 4...
Notable people
- Josie CareyJosie CareyJosephine Vicari Massucci Franz , known by the stage name Josie Carey, was a lyricist and a host of several children's television shows.-Biography:...
, the host of "The Children's Corner" on WQED in Pittsburgh, was one of the first employees of the station, which was the first community-sponsored public TV station. Fred Rogers was a puppeteer and musician on her show for seven years before creating Mister Rogers' NeighborhoodMister Rogers' NeighborhoodMister Rogers' Neighborhood, also known as Mister Rogers, is an American children's television series that was created and hosted by Fred Rogers. The series is aimed primarily at preschool ages, 2-5, but has been stated by Public Broadcasting Service as "appropriate for all ages"...
. Carey was born and raised in Butler.
- Former US Senator Rick SantorumRick SantorumRichard John "Rick" Santorum is a lawyer and a former United States Senator from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Santorum was the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference -making him the third-ranking Senate Republican from 2001 until his leave in 2007. Santorum is considered both a social...
spent his formative years in Butler.
- World record setting swimmer and Armco CEO Harry HolidayHarry HolidayHarry Holiday, Jr. was a world record holder in the backstroke at the University of Michigan in the 1940s and the president of steelmaker American Rolling Mill Co. from 1974-1986....
was born and raised in Butler.
- Scot ThompsonScot Thompson (baseball)Vernon Scot Thompson , was a professional baseball player who played outfielder in the Major Leagues from to for the Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos, and San Francisco Giants.He was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania.-External links:...
, born and raised in Butler, played Major League Baseball with the Cubs, Giants and Expos.
- Butler native John Minton (1948–1995) became a well-known exhibition wrestler under the name Big John StuddBig John StuddJohn William Minton was an American professional wrestler and actor who was born and raised in Butler, Pennsylvania, better known by his ring name, Big John Studd.-Career:...
.
- Jazz trombonist and arranger Jim PughJames E. PughJames Edward Pugh is a trombonist, composer, and educator. He is noted as the lead trombonist with Woody Herman's Thundering Herd and Chick Corea's Return to Forever Band . For 25 years, he worked as a freelance trombonist in New York City...
was born and raised in Butler.
- French horn player William PurvisWilliam PurvisWilliam Purvis is an American French horn player and conductor. He performs with the New York Woodwind Quintet, Speculum Musicae, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Luke's...
was born and raised in Butler.
- Tony award winning actress Michele PawkMichele PawkMichele Pawk is an American actress and singer.-Biography:Born in Butler, Pennsylvania, Pawk attended Allegheny College and the College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, after which she spent a year working in a musical revue at Disney World...
was born and raised in Butler.
- Bret MichaelsBret MichaelsBret Michaels is an American musician, actor, director, screenwriter, producer and reality television personality. He first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the glam metal band Poison. Besides his career as lead singer, he has several solo albums to his credit, as well as one chart single...
, the lead singer of PoisonPoison (band)Poison is an American glam metal band that achieved great success in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. To date, Poison has sold over 30 million records worldwide and have sold 15 million records in the United States alone. The band has also charted ten singles to the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100,...
, was born in Butler but raised in Mechanicsburg, PennsylvaniaMechanicsburg, PennsylvaniaMechanicsburg is a borough in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, USA, eight miles west of Harrisburg. It is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area. Mechanicsburg was settled in 1806 and incorporated as a borough on April 12, 1828...
.
- William J. Perry, former Secretary of Defense under Bill Clinton (1994–97), born in Vandergrift, PA graduated from Butler High School in 1945.
- Terry HanrattyTerry HanrattyTerrence Hugh "Terry" Hanratty was a former professional American football quarterback in the NFL during the 1960s and 1970s, he earned two Super Bowl rings as the backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, his hometown team....
, an All-American quarterback from Notre Dame who won the National Championship in 1966 and went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s as a back-up, was born in Butler, PA in 1948.
- Bill SaulBill SaulWilliam Neal Saul is a former American football linebacker who played nine seasons in the NFL for the Baltimore Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and the Detroit Lions. He played college football at Penn State University...
and his twin brothers Rich SaulRich SaulRich Saul was a National Football League offensive lineman from 1970 through 1981, all with the Los Angeles Rams. He played college football at Michigan State University...
and Ron SaulRon SaulRonald Reed Saul is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Houston Oilers and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Michigan State University and was drafted in the fifth round of the 1970 NFL Draft.His twin brother Rich Saul, also...
, professional football players during the 1960s and 1970s, were born and raised in Butler - Bill played 9 years (1962-1970) as a linebacker for the Colts, Steelers, Saints and Lions, Rich played 12 years (1970-1982) at center for the Los Angeles Rams and Ron played 13 years(1970-1983)for the Houston Oilers and Washington Redskins.
- Paul Posluzny, Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
linebacker and All American Penn State University linebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
was born in Butler.
- Home and birthplace of heavyweight boxer Brian MintoBrian MintoBrian Matthew Minto is a professional heavyweight and cruiserweight boxer.-Pro:Minto turned pro in 2002 and won his first 18 bouts, gaining the West Virginia heavyweight boxing title....
.
- Mike KellyMike Kelly (Pennsylvania)George Joseph "Mike" Kelly, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party.-Early life, education, and pre-congressional career:...
, Congressmember to U.S. House of Representatives for PA-3Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional districtPennsylvania's third district is located in the northwestern part of the state and includes the cities of Erie, Sharon, Hermitage, Butler and Meadville....
, resides in Butler and previously served on School Board and City Council there.
- Birthplace of St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Khalil GreeneKhalil GreeneKhalil Thabit Greene is a Major League Baseball shortstop who is currently a free agent. He bats and throws right-handed.-High school and college:...
.
- Scott MilanovichScott MilanovichScott Milanovich is a Canadian football coach and former professional quarterback. He is currently the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.-Early years:...
(Maryland, '96), former NFL quarterback and current Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator of the Grey CupGrey CupThe Grey Cup is both the name of the championship of the Canadian Football League and the name of the trophy awarded to the victorious team. It is Canada's largest annual sports and television event, regularly drawing a Canadian viewing audience of about 3 to 4 million individuals...
Champion Montreal AlouettesMontreal AlouettesThe Montreal Alouettes are a Canadian Football League team based in Montreal, Quebec.The current franchise named the Alouettes moved to Montreal from Baltimore, Maryland, in 1996 where they had been known as the Baltimore Stallions...
of the Canadian Football LeagueCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
hails from Butler.
- Hometown of major league All-Star pitcher member of the 2007 World Series Red Sox Matt ClementMatt ClementMatthew Paul Clement is a former Major League Baseball starting pitcher. Clement played for the San Diego Padres , Florida Marlins , Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox . While on the Red Sox active roster, he was injured all of the 2007 season...
.
- Hometown of Judge William G. BasslerWilliam G. BasslerWilliam G. Bassler is a former judge on the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, serving from 1991 until 2006. He is currently an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School in New York City. Judge Bassler is currently working as an arbitrator and mediator in New Jersey and New...
, formerly of the United States District Court for the District of New JerseyUnited States District Court for the District of New JerseyThe United States District Court for the District of New Jersey is the federal district court whose jurisdiction is the state of New Jersey....
- Hometown of Eric NamesnikEric NamesnikEric John Namesnik was an Olympic swimmer for the United States.-Biography:He was born and raised in the town of Butler, Pennsylvania. Namesnik won silver medals in the 400-meter individual medley at both the 1992 Summer Olympics and 1996 Summer Olympics...
(1970–2006), two time silver medalist Olympic swimmer.
- Michele McDonaldMichele McDonaldMichele McDonald is a pageant titleholder from Butler, Pennsylvania who held the Miss USA 1971 title.Encouraged to enter the competition by her mother, McDonald won Miss Pennsylvania USA title in early May 1971. Later that month she then represented her state in the Miss USA pageant, held in Miami...
Miss USA 1971 was from Butler. - Hometown of Admiral Jonathan W. GreenertJonathan W. GreenertJonathan W. Greenert is a United States Navy admiral currently serving as the 30th Chief of Naval Operations. He previously served as the 36th Vice Chief of Naval Operations from August 13, 2009 to August 22, 2011. Prior to that, he served as Commander, U.S...
Chief of Naval Operations, US Navy.
Sites of interest
- The Butler County CourthouseButler County Courthouse (Pennsylvania)The Butler County Courthouse is a government building of Butler County located in the county seat, Butler, Pennsylvania.The current structure is the third courthouse to have been built for the county. James P. Bailey, who was responsible for the construction of Old Main at Geneva College became...
is a government and judicial building located in the heart of the city. The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
. - The Sen. Walter Lowrie HouseSen. Walter Lowrie HouseThe Senator Walter Lowrie Shaw House is a historic home located in downtown Butler, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known in the area for being the home of Butler's only United States Senator, Walter Lowrie. The structure was built in 1828, and is the last of its kind in the city of Butler...
was the home of United States Senator Walter LowrieWalter LowrieWalter Lowrie was a teacher, farmer, and politician from Butler County, Pennsylvania. He served in both houses in the state legislature and represented Pennsylvania in the United States Senate...
, built in 1828. It is currently maintained as a museum, and is the headquarters of the Butler County Historical Society. The house is on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
. - The Maridon Museum, located in downtown Butler, is the only museum in the Western Pennsylvania region with a specific focus on Chinese and Japanese art and culture.
- Pullman ParkPullman ParkPullman Park is a baseball stadium located in Butler, Pennsylvania. Constructed in 1934, and rebuilt in 2008, the ballpark hosted minor league teams that were affiliated with the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, and the Pittsburgh Pirates...
, built in 1934, was used for minor league baseball for twenty years until the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
farm team left in 1951. The ballpark saw many famous faces during its professional baseball days, including Lou GehrigLou GehrigHenry Louis "Lou" Gehrig , nicknamed "The Iron Horse" for his durability, was an American Major League Baseball first baseman. He played his entire 17-year baseball career for the New York Yankees . Gehrig set several major league records. He holds the record for most career grand slams...
, Whitey FordWhitey FordEdward Charles "Whitey" Ford is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent his entire 18-year career with the New York Yankees. He was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.-Early life and career:...
, and Joe DiMaggioJoe DiMaggioJoseph Paul "Joe" DiMaggio , nicknamed "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," was an American Major League Baseball center fielder who played his entire 13-year career for the New York Yankees. He is perhaps best known for his 56-game hitting streak , a record that still stands...
who played for a farm team of the New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. Rebuilt in 2008, the stadium is currently the home of the Butler BlueSoxButler BlueSoxThe Butler BlueSox are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Butler, Pennsylvania, in the United States. They are a member of the East Division of the summer collegiate Prospect League.-History:...
.
Neighborhoods
- Homeacre-LyndoraHomeacre-Lyndora, PennsylvaniaHomeacre-Lyndora is a census-designated place in Butler County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 6,685 at the 2000 census.-History:...
- Institute Hill
- Southside
- West End
- North Side
- East Side
Education
- Butler Area School DistrictButler Area School DistrictThe Butler Area School District covers the City of Butler, the Boroughs of Connoquenessing and East Butler and Butler Township, Center Township, Clearfield Township, Connoquenessing Township, Oakland Township and Summit Township...
- Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School
- Butler County Community CollegeButler County Community College (Pennsylvania)Butler County Community College is located in Butler Township, Pennsylvania, United States. Its motto is "The Smart Place to Start," referring to the large number of students who attend two years before transferring to other colleges.The college also offers courses in Cranberry Township, as well...
Culture
Live plays are performed by local actors at the historic Butler Little Theatre which has been running productions continuously since 1941. The Musical Theater Guild also produces an annual musical production. Plus, the Penn Theater along Main Street is currently undergoing a renovation in hopes of attracting people to Butler.There are also a handful of local authors who have written various novels and books on the surrounding area. Stewart O'Nan
Stewart O'Nan
- Life and work :Born on February 4, 1961 to John Lee O'Nan and Mary Ann O'Nan, née Smith. He and his brother were raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania....
's prizewinning novel Snow Angels is set in Butler.
Butler is home to the Butler County Symphony Association which performs at Butler High School's auditorium. There are also many art groups located in the city. They include the Associated Artists of Butler County and the Butler Arts Council.
- Leisure activities
Butler Road Race a 5-mile and 2-mile race held each summer in June, raises funds for local students in scholarships.
The Butler Fall Festival, held each September, features car shows, ethnic foods, and many representative items from various cultures.
Airports
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
s located outside the city. Butler County Airport
Butler County Airport
Butler County Airport , also known as K. W. Scholter Field, is a public airport located five miles southwest of the central business district of Butler, a city in Butler County, Pennsylvania, United States...
is used for general aviation, and can accommodate large aircraft such as corporate jets. Butler Farm Show Airport is used by pilots with smaller, private aircraft in the Butler area.
Mass transit
Butler is serviced by The Bus which is run by the Butler Transit AuthorityButler Transit Authority
Butler Transit Authority, operating as TheBus, is a public transportation service located in Butler, Pennsylvania. The goal of the service is to provide mass transit access for the central portion of the county. However, no bus routes run to the heavily suburbanized southern portion of the county...
.
Railroads
Two railroads currently offer freight service in Butler. The Canadian National RailwayCanadian National Railway
The Canadian National Railway Company is a Canadian Class I railway headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. CN's slogan is "North America's Railroad"....
owned Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad
Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad
The Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad is a class II railroad that operates in northwestern Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio.The railroad's main route runs from the Lake Erie port of Conneaut, Ohio to the Pittsburgh suburb of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, a distance of 139 miles...
main line passes through the city, while the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad
Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad
The Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad is a Class II railroad operating in New York and Pennsylvania.The BPRR is owned by Genesee and Wyoming Industries. Its main line runs between Buffalo, New York and Eidenau, Pennsylvania, north of Pittsburgh. Here, connections are made to the city center via the...
provides regional service in the area. The B&P has a large locomotive shop located just outside the city limits.
Roads
Five major highways run through or near the city, providing links to other areas throughout Western PennsylvaniaWestern Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania consists of the western third of the state of Pennsylvania in the United States. Pittsburgh is the largest city in the region, with a metropolitan area population of about 2.4 million people, and serves as its economic and cultural center. Erie, Altoona, and Johnstown are its...
. The south terminus of PA 38
Pennsylvania Route 38
Pennsylvania Route 38 is a long state highway located in northwest Pennsylvania. The southern terminus is at U.S. Route 422 and Pennsylvania Route 68 northeast of downtown Butler. The northern terminus is at U.S...
terminates just north of the city at U.S. Route 422
U.S. Route 422
U.S. Route 422 is a long spur route of US 22 split into two segments in the U.S. states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The western spur begins in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and ends at Ebensburg, Pennsylvania...
. U.S. Route 422
U.S. Route 422
U.S. Route 422 is a long spur route of US 22 split into two segments in the U.S. states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The western spur begins in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and ends at Ebensburg, Pennsylvania...
skirts the city to the north on the Butler Bypass. PA 68
Pennsylvania Route 68
Pennsylvania Route 68 is a long east–west state highway located in western Pennsylvania in the United States. The western terminus of the route is at the Ohio state line west of Glasgow, where PA 68 continues into Ohio as State Route 39. The eastern terminus is at U.S...
, and PA 356
Pennsylvania Route 356
Pennsylvania Route 356 is an long state highway located in Westmoreland, Allegheny, Butler, and Armstrong counties in Pennsylvania. The southern terminus is at PA 66 near Oklahoma...
go straight through downtown where they intersect with PA 8
Pennsylvania Route 8
Pennsylvania Route 8 is a major long route in western Pennsylvania. Officially, PA 8 is named the William Flinn Highway. Its southern terminus is at Interstate 376, U.S. Route 22, and U.S. Route 30 in Pittsburgh...
. PA 8 is Butler's Main Street when passing through the city.
Media
- WBUT-AM
- WISRWISRWISR is a commercial AM radio station licensed to Butler, Pennsylvania. The station was the first to go on the air in Butler County, doing so on September 26, 1941. The station was the very last to be granted a broadcast license before the FCC halted the licensing of any more stations until after...
-AM - WLER-FMWLER-FMWLER-FM is an Adult Contemporary radio station that officially can be heard in Butler County, Pennsylvania, but can also be heard in parts of northern Allegheny County, including Pittsburgh...
- Butler EagleButler EagleThe Butler Eagle is a daily newspaper published in Butler, Pennsylvania, United States. It serves the Western Pennsylvania county of Butler.-History:...
daily newspaper http://www.butlereagle.com - InsideButlerCounty
Sources
- Brown, Robert C. History of Butler County, Pennsylvania:...Pioneers and Representative Citizens, Etc., Etc.[Chicago]: R.C. Brown & Co., 1895. Chapter VI.Print.'
- An Historical Gazetteer of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Chicora: Mechling Bookbindery, 2006, ISBN 978-0-9760563-9-3.