HISTORY
Meadville's story begins in 1788 when it was first settled by its founder David Mead who recognized its location along the confluence of Cussewago and French Creeks would make it a strategic hub for transportation. Mead's belief proved correct as the community continued to grow with the construction of the French Creek Feeder Canal. The canals quickly became obsolete; however, they positioned Meadville for an important and lasting role in rail transportation. The railroad would be the origins of Meadville's industrial legacy and eventual modern day moniker as Tool City USA.
Strategic Location
Meadville's Story and Historic District
INDUSTRIES ANDIMPACT
Through the years, notable institutions like Allegheny College along with a number of important businesses would mold and shape Meadville's story. Aside from the railroad, companies like Spirella Corsets, Meadville Distilling, the Keystone View Company, Talon Zipper, American Viscose/Avtex, Dad's Pet Food, and Channellock were nationally and even internationally recognized brands. Meadville flourished with their every success, but it also struggled in the wake of those that left or closed.
These businesses heavily influenced downtown commerce and progress.Meadville's bustledwith activity as horse and carriages, trolleys, and later, automobiles rolled along the city's dirt, brick, and paved streets. The age ofmerchants and shopkeepers would be echoed a century laterduring summer sidewalk sales and today they can be experienced again at our First Friday events.
Meadville's story can also be seen in the architecture of the Downtown Historic District which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The district encompasses Diamond Park, 81 buildings and 18 sites located within the city's business district where a mix of popular architectural styles are evident. The steeples of historic churches mark Meadville's skyline as does the city's lone skyscraper, The Crawford Trust Building which stands next to Pennsylvania's oldest operating Market House. Historical markers and building plaques throughout the downtown represent different chapters in Meadville's story chronicled in the timeline below.
The downtown's transformation can be seen through the interactive map belowwith historical photos that capture spots within downtown at different periods of time from the 1880s to 1980s.
Experience our StoRY
Clickthe upper left of the map and resizeto your screen. Clickthe icons to see info about that spot. Scroll and click onphotos to enlarge. Mobile users canmatch the imagetowhere you're standing.
1788
David Mead establishes a settlement near Cussewago Creek and French Creek
1793
David Mead maps out plans for the town eventually named in his honor - Meadville
1805
The first newspaper, The Crawford Weekly Messenger, is published in Meadville
1807
The Meadville Area Chamber of Commerce is established and today is the 3rd oldest Chamber in the country
1815
Allegheny College is founded
1823
Meadville becomes a borough with 800 residents
1832
The first sidewalks are built lining the city’s streets
1837
The French Creek Feeder Canal is opened, bringing new opportunity for growth and commerce
1838
The Meadville Fire Company is formed with a fire house along Center Street
1862
Rails from the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad bring the first train to a massive depot built near French Creek at the end of Chestnut Street
1866
Meadville is incorporates as a city
1870
The Market House is built and today is the oldest operational market house in the Commonwealth
1875
The first street numbers are established within the city
1883
The first electrical generation station illuminates 50 street lights throughout the city
1885
The Academy Music opened along Chestnut Street, and later would become The Academy Theatre
1888
Meadville’s Centennial Celebration marks 100 years since David Mead’s arrival
1889
First streets are paved in the city using bricks
1891
Growth and prosperity lead to Meadville’s reorganization as third-class city
1892
The first bicycle shop opens in Meadville
1897
Trolley service begins in Meadville with routes along the city’s major streets
1901
The first car dealership opens selling Ford and Olds models
1904
The Spirella Corset Company is founded, becoming the city’s dominant employer with multiple downtown locations as it grows into an internationally known brand
1904
The first car is seen driving down the streets of Meadville
1911
First opened in a small storefront, the Crawford County Trust Company changes the city skyline, building a six-story steel-beam skyscraper at the corner of Chestnut and Market Streets
1912
The first taxi service begins offering rides to city residents
1913
The Hookless Fastener Company, later Talon, comes to Meadville where it will dominate the Zipper industry and help establish Meadville’s legacy at Tool City.
1915
Central Fire Station is constructed at Park Avenue and Center Street
1917
The Market House is expanded with the addition of a second floor
1921
Garbage collection begins in the city
1925
Bus service begins operating in Meadville
1926
Trolley service in Meadville stops
1929
Meadville residents benefit from the the 62 independently owned neighborhood grocery stores now operating in the city
1930
The Crawford County Trust Building is expanded with a six-story wing constructed on its west side
1936
Meadville installs the its first parking meters
1938
150 after David Mead’s arrival, Meadville celebrates its Sesquicentennial
1955
The once iconic Lafayette Hotel located at Chestnut and Water Streets is destroyed by fire
1967
A multi-project urban renewal initiative begins, drastically changing the business district along Water Street with new commercial, banking, and retail properties being built.
1970
Internet 79 opens with Meadville as a key highway exit
1975
Construction on the Meadville Downtown Mall along Water Street is completed and retailers open for business in the new space
1984
The Meadville Downtown Historic District, outlined within Chancery Lane, Mulberry, Walnut, and Chestnut Streets, is added to the National Register of Historic Places
1987
Meadville is approved for Main Street designation as part of the Main Street America program
1988
Meadville’s Bicentennial celebration marks 200 years since its founder’s arrival
2017
Meadville Independent Business Alliance is formed
