Vandergrift

During the late nineteenth century, small steel towns began to dot the Western Pennsylvania landscape. Often, these towns were little more than a mill surrounded by workers' housing and a few churches. In many respects, Vandergrift was like dozens of other steel towns.

However, because of a desire to attract workers and home buyers, the Vandergrift Land and Improvement Company assisted in establishing the first denominational churches in the town. As a result, Vandergrift became known for the splendor of its churches.

Perhaps the town's most outstanding building was the St. Gertrude Roman Catholic Church. It is the only example of Italian Romanesque architecture in Westmoreland County and one of the best examples in Western Pennsylvania. The church was also an essential community-integrating force in Vandergrift's early history.