As Pittsburgh’s industry began to boom in the end of the 19th century, dirt and grime came with it.  Henry Warner, then superintendent of the Allegheny County Workhouse, in what is now Blawnox, had an idea of developing a residential community along the Allegheny River to escape the chaos of the city.

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He had his eye on the pastoral land, which is now Aspinwall.  Originally, the area was owned by the descendants of James Ross, and part of O’Hara Township.  In 1890, Henry Warner approached Annie Aspinwall, the granddaughter of Ross to acquire 155 acres of land along the river and formed the Aspinwall Land Company.  This was the beginning of Aspinwall. 

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As the town grew, O’Hara Township was no longer able to provide the needed services, and in 1892, a group of 40 residents petitioned to incorporate, “The Borough of Aspinwall, a self-governing unit.”  On December 28, 1892, Aspinwall officially became incorporated.

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Aspinwall developed in three distinct phases.  Phase I, spanned from 6th Street to Freeport Road and from Western to Eastern Avenues.  Phase II began in 1899 and “upper Aspinwall” was born.  In 1904 several Aspinwall men purchased land from the Delafield Company and formed the Aspinwall-Delafield Company.  This section was from Eastern Avenue to Delafield Ave.  These additions more than doubled Aspinwall’s population by 1920, from 1131 to approximately 3100 residents.

 

Today, Aspinwall is home to approximately 3,000 residents with a median age of 36 years.  Fifty eight percent of the community owns their homes, while 42% are renters.  The median sale price in Aspinwall is $415,000 (12 mo. rolling average, 2024).  Per the 2020 census report, just over half of the households have an annual income of over $100,000.

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Aspinwall is known for its picturesque tree-lined, cobblestone streets, and Victorian-style homes.  It boasts two long-held traditions: the Memorial Day Parade and Trick-or-Treat.  In addition, it's an extremely dog-friendly town.

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Commercial and Brilliant Avenues are the main business district.  Housing several popular restaurants, ice cream shops, Towne Drugs, the local pharmacy, a children's bookstore and even a doll house store.

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Aspinwall is approximately 6 miles from downtown Pittsburgh via Route 28.  On your route, you will be easily able to pick up any of the major Interstates, such as I-376 adn I-279.  Heinz Field (I will never call it Acrisure Stadium) and PNC Park are directly accessible via Route 28 through the North Shore.  You will need to cross the river to the Uptown area of Pittsburgh to find PPG Paints Arena.  Pittsburgh International Airport is approximately 25 miles from Aspinwall.

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Aspinwall is part of the Fox Chapel Area School District.

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Check out our shop where you can celebrate Aspinwall with a variety of merch!