About Aliquippa

Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, to the northwest of downtown Pittsburgh, Aliquippa is the largest city in Beaver County. Originally known as Logstown, it draws its current name from a former station on the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad, which in turn was named after Queen Alliquippa, a leader of the Seneca people.

Aliquippa was first settled by the French in the 1750s, and it underwent rapid expansion in the early 20th century, after the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company constructed a steel mill on the site. During World War II, tons of rolled steel from Aliquippa were used in the construction of tank armor and ship hulls to assist the war effort. The mill remained the city’s top employer until the 1980s, when changes in the domestic steel industry resulted in a shift in the local economy. Today, part of the land formerly occupied by the mill is home to a new United States Gypsum facility, and continued industrial development remains a top priority for the area.

One local landmark is the B.F. Jones Memorial Library, a notable example of Renaissance Revival architecture that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and also a valuable community resource that lends out more than 6,000 items every month and hosts a variety of classes and public events. Six local parks and playgrounds give residents the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and outdoor recreation.

Aliquippa is also notable for its legacy of athletic accomplishment. Two members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Mike Ditka and Tony Dorsett, grew up in Aliquippa, and NFL stars such as Sean Gilbert, Darrelle Revis, and Ty Law developed their world-class skills in the uniform of the Aliquippa Quips. Another famous alumnus of Aliquippa High School is composer Henry Mancini, the winner of four Academy awards and twenty Grammy Awards. The children of the area are able to attend the schools of the Aliquippa School District or one of several public charter schools or private schools.

Many types of homes are available in Aliquippa, including Ranch homes and American Foursquare residences. Residents can take advantage of easy access to I-376, which connects to Greater Pittsburgh International Airport and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, in order to visit a variety of nearby destinations.

Looking for homes for sale in Aliquippa? Our Beaver real estate office and West Suburban real estate office are knowledgeable about the area, and ready to help.