Latrobe, PA

County: Westmoreland

History

Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Latrobe, Pennsylvania, is a small city located in Westmoreland County. It was founded in 1852 and named after Benjamin Latrobe, an architect who was known for his work on the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Latrobe's history can be traced back much further, however. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Delaware and Shawnee, who utilized the land for hunting and fishing. European settlers arrived in the late 1700s and early 1800s, establishing farms and homesteads in the region.

One of the most significant events in Latrobe's history occurred in 1851 with the arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The railroad played a crucial role in the city's development, providing transportation and access to various markets. It also contributed to Latrobe's growth as an industrial center, attracting businesses and manufacturing facilities.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Latrobe saw considerable growth in industries like glassmaking, brewing, and coal mining. The city became known for its high-quality glass products, with companies like Reed Glass and the United States Glass Company establishing operations in Latrobe.

Latrobe is perhaps most notable as the birthplace of Fred Rogers, the beloved television personality behind "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." Fred Rogers was born in Latrobe in 1928 and later attended Latrobe High School before going on to pursue his career in television.

Another significant landmark in Latrobe is Saint Vincent Archabbey, the oldest American Benedictine monastery. Established in 1846, Saint Vincent Archabbey has had a profound influence on the religious and educational landscape of the area, operating Saint Vincent College and Seminary.

Today, Latrobe is a vibrant community with a population of around 8,000 residents. It hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Great American Banana Split Celebration, which pays homage to Latrobe's claim to fame as the birthplace of the banana split dessert.

In summary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1852. From its Native American roots to its industrial growth and cultural contributions, Latrobe remains a significant part of Westmoreland County's heritage.

Attractions

Saint Vincent Archabbey

Saint Vincent Archabbey

A Benedictine monastery founded in 1846, which has beautiful architecture and grounds. It also has a basilica and a Gristmill Museum.

Idlewild and SoakZone

A family-friendly amusement park with rides, water attractions, and entertainment for all ages.

Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media

A center dedicated to the legacy of TV personality Fred Rogers, showcasing his impact on education and children's media.

Latrobe Art Center

An art gallery featuring local and regional artists, as well as various art classes and workshops.

The Latrobe Area Historical Society Museum

A museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Latrobe and its surrounding area.

Glengarry Golf Links

A scenic 18-hole golf course located in the rolling hills of Latrobe.

Latrobe Brewing Company

Known for brewing the famous Rolling Rock beer, this brewery offers tours and tastings to visitors interested in beer-making history.

Latrobe Country Club

A private golf and country club that hosts golf tournaments and other events.

Four Seasons Brewing Company

A local craft brewery and taproom offering a variety of unique beers.

The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve

A natural paradise with walking trails, bird-watching opportunities, and educational programs on conservation and wildlife.

Climate

The climate of Latrobe, Pennsylvania is classified as humid continental. It experiences all four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

In the summer (June to August), Latrobe is generally warm and humid with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to around 30 degrees Celsius). Occasionally, heatwaves can push temperatures into the 90s Fahrenheit (around 35 degrees Celsius). Summers also see moderate to high rainfall, with July being the wettest month.

Fall (September to November) in Latrobe is mild and pleasant. Temperatures gradually cool down, with highs starting in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 25 degrees Celsius) in September and dropping to the mid-50s Fahrenheit (around 10 degrees Celsius) in November. The area becomes drier during this season, and fall foliage colors are often vibrant.

Winter (December to February) in Latrobe is cold with occasional snowfall. Average high temperatures range from the mid-30s to the low 40s Fahrenheit (around 0 to 5 degrees Celsius). However, temperatures can drop well below freezing, especially at night. Snowstorms are common during this season, and the region usually receives around 40 inches (over 1 meter) of snow annually.

Spring (March to May) in Latrobe sees a gradual warming up after the winter. Temperatures start in the low 40s Fahrenheit (around 5 degrees Celsius) in March and rise to the low 70s Fahrenheit (around 20 degrees Celsius) in May. Showers and thunderstorms are frequent during this time, and spring is considered the rainiest season.

Overall, Latrobe experiences a varied climate with warm summers, cool falls, cold winters with snow, and mild springs.

Neighborhoods

Latrobe, Pennsylvania is a small city located in Westmoreland County, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. It is known for being the hometown of Fred Rogers, the creator of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood."

While Latrobe itself is not divided into specific neighborhoods, it does consist of several distinct areas with their unique characteristics. Here are some of the notable sections within or around Latrobe:

Downtown Latrobe

The heart of the city, downtown Latrobe features historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, and businesses. It is a walkable area with a small-town charm.

Greater Latrobe School District

The school district encompasses several communities surrounding Latrobe, including Youngstown, New Alexandria, and Derry. These areas feature a mix of residential neighborhoods, farmland, and some commercial development.

Bradenville

Bradenville is a borough located just outside of Latrobe. It is a primarily residential area with modest homes and a close-knit community feel.

Baggaley

Baggaley is another borough adjacent to Latrobe. It is mainly residential and features a mix of single-family homes and duplexes. Baggaley Road, a major road in the area, is known for its scenic beauty.

Unity Township

Unity Township is a large suburban area surrounding Latrobe. It is primarily residential, with an array of housing developments, including both newer builds and older single-family homes. Unity Township is also home to a few shopping centers, parks, and recreational areas.

Latrobe Airport Area

Located on the outskirts of the city, Latrobe's Arnold Palmer Regional Airport serves as a regional transportation center. The surrounding area includes a mix of light industrial properties, commercial developments, and some residential neighborhoods.

Overall, Latrobe and its surrounding communities offer a diverse range of housing options, from suburban and rural settings to more urbanized areas in downtown Latrobe. The various neighborhoods provide residents with a mix of small-town charm, convenient amenities, and easy access to surrounding natural beauty.

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