Tarentum, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Tarentum is a borough
in Allegheny County
in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
. It is 22 miles (35.4 km) northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh, along the Allegheny River
. Tarentum was an industrial center where plate glass and bottles were manufactured; bricks, lumber, steel and iron novelties, steel billets and sheets, sack and wrapping paper were also produced. The Pennsylvania Railroad
operated a station in Tarentum; its rail line ran through the town. The population was 4,530 at the 2010 census.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the borough has a total area of 1.4 square miles (3.6 km²), of which 1.2 square miles (3.1 km²) is land and 0.2 square mile (0.517997622 km²), or 12.06%, is water.
to the west, Frazer Township
to the northwest, Fawn Township
to the north, Harrison Township
to the northeast, and Brackenridge
to the east. To the south, across the Allegheny River
in Westmoreland County
, are New Kensington
(via Tarentum Bridge) and Lower Burrell
.
of 2000, there were 4,993 people, 2,170 households, and 1,306 families residing in the borough. The population density
was 4,011.0 people per square mile (1,554.7/km²). There were 2,556 housing units at an average density of 2,053.3 per square mile (795.9/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 93.79% White, 3.65% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races
, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.90% of the population.
There were 2,170 households out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.0% were married couples
living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the borough the population was spread out with 22.0% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.8 males.
The median income for a household in the borough was $26,895, and the median income for a family was $32,042. Males had a median income of $28,578 versus $21,891 for females. The per capita income
for the borough was $14,671. About 12.1% of families and 15.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.1% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.
In 1900, 5,472 people lived here; in 1910, 7,414 people lived here; and in 1940, 9,846 people lived in Tarentum. The population was 4,993 at the 2000 census.
, which operates Grandview Upper Elementary School (grades 3–5) in the borough.
Borough (Pennsylvania)
In the U.S. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a borough is a self-governing municipal entity that is usually smaller than a city. There are 958 boroughs in Pennsylvania. All municipalities in Pennsylvania are classified as either cities, boroughs, or townships...
in Allegheny County
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Allegheny County is a county in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,223,348; making it the second most populous county in Pennsylvania, following Philadelphia County. The county seat is Pittsburgh...
in the U.S. state 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...
. It is 22 miles (35.4 km) northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh, along the Allegheny River
Allegheny River
The Allegheny River is a principal tributary of the Ohio River; it is located in the Eastern United States. The Allegheny River joins with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at the "Point" of Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
. Tarentum was an industrial center where plate glass and bottles were manufactured; bricks, lumber, steel and iron novelties, steel billets and sheets, sack and wrapping paper were also produced. The Pennsylvania Railroad
Pennsylvania Railroad
The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the "Pennsy", the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
operated a station in Tarentum; its rail line ran through the town. The population was 4,530 at the 2010 census.
Geography
Tarentum is located at 40°36′11"N 79°45′20"W (40.603042, -79.755447).According to the United States Census Bureau
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 borough has a total area of 1.4 square miles (3.6 km²), of which 1.2 square miles (3.1 km²) is land and 0.2 square mile (0.517997622 km²), or 12.06%, is water.
Streams
- The Allegheny RiverAllegheny RiverThe Allegheny River is a principal tributary of the Ohio River; it is located in the Eastern United States. The Allegheny River joins with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at the "Point" of Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
forms the borough's eastern border with Westmoreland CountyWestmoreland County, Pennsylvania-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 369,993 people, 149,813 households, and 104,569 families residing in the county. The population density was 361 people per square mile . There were 161,058 housing units at an average density of 157 per square mile...
.
- Bull CreekBull Creek (Allegheny River)Bull Creek is a tributary of the Allegheny River in Allegheny and Butler counties, Pennsylvania in the United States.-Course:Bull Creek joins the Allegheny River at the borough of Tarentum.-Tributaries:...
joins the Allegheny River at Tarentum.
- Little Bull CreekLittle Bull Creek (Allegheny River)Little Bull Creek is a tributary of Bull Creek and part of the Allegheny River watershed located in both Allegheny and Butler counties in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.-Course:...
joins Bull Creek via a culvertCulvertA culvert is a device used to channel water. It may be used to allow water to pass underneath a road, railway, or embankment. Culverts can be made of many different materials; steel, polyvinyl chloride and concrete are the most common...
underneath Bull Creek Road (Pennsylvania Route 366Pennsylvania Route 366Pennsylvania Route 366 is an long state highway located in Allegheny, and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania. The western terminus is at PA 28 in Tarentum. The eastern terminus is at PA 66 in Murrysville...
) at Tarentum.
Neighboring municipalities
Tarentum is bordered by East Deer TownshipEast Deer Township, Pennsylvania
East Deer Township is a township in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,500 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which is land and , or 11.83%, is water.-Demographics:As of the census of...
to the west, Frazer Township
Frazer Township, Pennsylvania
Frazer Township is a township in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,157 at the 2010 census. The Pittsburgh Mills shopping mall complex is located in the township.-Geography:...
to the northwest, Fawn Township
Fawn Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Fawn Township is a township in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,376 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land.-Streams:...
to the north, Harrison Township
Harrison Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Harrison Township is a township in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 10,461 at the 2010 census. Pennsylvania Route 28 passes through Harrison Township connecting Kittanning to the northeast and Pittsburgh to the southwest. Allegheny Technologies has extensive steel...
to the northeast, and Brackenridge
Brackenridge, Pennsylvania
Brackenridge is a borough in Allegheny County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny River. It is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area.The town is named for Henry Marie Brackenridge. The borough once had glass factories...
to the east. To the south, across the Allegheny River
Allegheny River
The Allegheny River is a principal tributary of the Ohio River; it is located in the Eastern United States. The Allegheny River joins with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at the "Point" of Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
in Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County may refer to:In Australia:* Westmoreland County, New South Wales* the former name of Westmoreland Land District, Tasmania, AustraliaIn the United Kingdom* WestmorelandIn the United States:* Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania...
, are New Kensington
New Kensington, Pennsylvania
New Kensington is a city in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania situated along the Allegheny River northeast of Pittsburgh. The population was 14,701 at the 2000 Census. The mayor of New Kensington is Tom Guzzo , elected in 2009. He succeeded Mayor Frank E. Link , elected in 2001.-History:New...
(via Tarentum Bridge) and Lower Burrell
Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania
Lower Burrell is a city in Westmoreland County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Located approximately 18 miles northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh, Lower Burrell is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area...
.
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 4,993 people, 2,170 households, and 1,306 families residing in the borough. 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 4,011.0 people per square mile (1,554.7/km²). There were 2,556 housing units at an average density of 2,053.3 per square mile (795.9/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 93.79% White, 3.65% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.26% 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 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.90% of the population.
There were 2,170 households out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.0% were married couples
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, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the borough the population was spread out with 22.0% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.8 males.
The median income for a household in the borough was $26,895, and the median income for a family was $32,042. Males had a median income of $28,578 versus $21,891 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 borough was $14,671. About 12.1% of families and 15.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.1% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.
In 1900, 5,472 people lived here; in 1910, 7,414 people lived here; and in 1940, 9,846 people lived in Tarentum. The population was 4,993 at the 2000 census.
Museums and other points of interest
The Community Library of Allegheny Valley, Tarentum Branch, serves the borough.Education
Tarentum is within the Highlands School DistrictHighlands School District (Pennsylvania)
The Highlands School District is a small, suburban public school district covering Tarentum and Brackenridge boroughs, as well as Fawn and Harrison townships in Allegheny County, in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Highlands School District encompasses approximately 22 square miles. According to...
, which operates Grandview Upper Elementary School (grades 3–5) in the borough.
Usage in popular culture
- Out of the Black – (20012001 in filmThe year 2001 in film involved some significant events, including the first of the Harry Potter series and also the first of The Lord of the Rings trilogy...
) - My Bloody Valentine 3D – (20092009 in filmThe year 2009 saw the release of many films. Seven made the top 50 list of highest-grossing films, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that as of this year, their Best Picture category would consist of ten nominees, rather than five .- Highest-grossing films :Please note...
)
Notable people
- John Baptiste FordJohn Baptiste FordCaptain John Baptiste Ford was an American industrialist and founder of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, now known as PPG Industries, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States....
, industrialist and founder of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, now known as PPG IndustriesPPG IndustriesPPG Industries is a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiber glass. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG operates in more than 60 countries around the globe. Sales in 2010 were $13.4 billion... - Estelle HarrisEstelle HarrisEstelle Harris is an American stand-up comedienne, actress, voice artist, and comedienne, often recognized for her shrill, grating voice. She is best known for her role as Estelle Costanza on Seinfeld from 1992 to 1998, as the voice of Mrs...
, actress who played George CostanzaGeorge CostanzaGeorge Louis Costanza is a character in the American television sitcom Seinfeld , played by Jason Alexander. He has variously been described as a "short, stocky, slow-witted, bald man" , "Lord of the Idiots" , and as "the greatest sitcom character of all time"...
's mother on SeinfeldSeinfeldSeinfeld is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, lasting nine seasons, and is now in syndication. It was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the latter starring as a fictionalized version of himself...
, lived in Tarentum and graduated from the former Tarentum High School - Samuel Kier, pioneer oil refinerOil refineryAn oil refinery or petroleum refinery is an industrial process plant where crude oil is processed and refined into more useful petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas...
, operated salt wellSalt wellA salt well is used to mine salt from subterranean caverns or deposits by the use of water as a solution to dissolve the salt or halite deposits so that they can be extracted by pipe to an evaporation process that results in a brine or dry product for sale or use...
s in Tarentum - Evelyn NesbitEvelyn NesbitEvelyn Nesbit was an American artists' model and chorus girl, noted for her entanglement in the murder of her ex-lover, architect Stanford White, by her first husband, Harry Kendall Thaw.-Early life:...
, artists' modelModel (art)Art models are models who pose for photographers, painters, sculptors, and other artists as part of their work of art. Art models who pose in the nude for life drawing are usually called life models...
and chorus girlChorus lineA chorus line is a substantial group of dancers who together perform synchronized routines, usually in musical theatre. Sometimes, singing is also performed. Chorus line dancers in Broadway musicals and revues have been referred to by slang terms such as ponies, gypsies and twirlies...
, pursued by architect Stanford WhiteStanford WhiteStanford White was an American architect and partner in the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White, the frontrunner among Beaux-Arts firms. He designed a long series of houses for the rich and the very rich, and various public, institutional, and religious buildings, some of which can be found...
and murderer Harry Thaw, whom she married.