How Much Do You Know About The Pine-Richland Area?

The Pine-Richland area is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, you know that Pine-Richland has its own special traditions and history that make it so unique.

A few things to know:

• The Township of Pine was founded in 1796 and originally included all of 11 current townships and parts of three others in Allegheny County. In the following years, several of those townships were excised, bringing Pine down to its current size of about 17 square miles.
• Richland Township was originally a part of Pine Township, and one of the first settlers of what would become Richland was a man named John Crawford. He built his log cabin here in 1800, but Richland wouldn’t become an official “neighborhood” until 1880.
• To celebrate summer like a local, check out the annual Township of Pine Community Day. This fun-filled family event is a day full of live music, food vendors, a car show and plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. It's a great way to experience the community and all it has to offer.
• Pine is home to North Park, which offers over 3,000 acres of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing and more. In addition to a 65-acre lake, North Park also features a golf course, pool, ice rink, ball fields, a nature center and other amenities for sports and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Railroads played an important role in the early history of Richland Township. The B&O Railroad, which ran from Allegheny to New Castle, made the unincorporated community of Gibsonia an economic linchpin for the area. Additionally, the Butler Shortline Railroad provided cross-town transportation for the community and local vendors’ products for two decades in the early 1900s.
• A man named Thomas Rodgers is regarded as the first settler of modern-day Pine. Other settlers began to arrive in greater numbers when the old Franklin Road was opened early on in the township’s development.
• Both Pine and Richland are considered suburbs of Pittsburgh and are located within two hours of popular tourist destinations like the Laurel Highlands and Lake Erie. Visitors can enjoy a day trip to these destinations and take in the natural beauty and rich history of the region.
• Pine is just a short drive from the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, which features over 60 acres of beautiful gardens, woodlands and wetlands. Visitors can explore a variety of trails, bridges and water features, and enjoy events and activities throughout the year.
• Richland is less than 30 minutes from the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills, which offers a wide range of shopping, dining and entertainment options. In addition to its dozens of retail offerings, the Galleria hosts numerous family-friendly events throughout the year.
• The oldest church in Pine is Cross Roads Presbyterian, which was established in 1826. The church, which is still active to this day, was originally built as a log cabin before it was rebuilt in brick in 1840 and again in 1897.
• The Pine Community Center is an important local hub, offering family activities, child care, recreational programs and even a fun-filled Splash Pad for the little ones to enjoy. The Center hosts numerous special events throughout the year, including an annual Easter egg hunt, movies in the park, a food truck/farmer’s market event and community holiday celebrations.

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