The township includes various communities—Bagdad, Johnetta, Schenley, Georgetown, Banfield, Forks Church, Aladdin, and Maher Heights—each contributing uniquely to its development and legacy.

Early families, including the Bolens, Coulters, and Klingensmiths, established homesteads, cleared land, and developed farms that would form the foundation of the township’s agrarian economy.

The rivers served as vital transportation routes, allowing settlers to trade with neighboring communities and supporting early economic growth.

As the population of Allegheny grew to 2,539 at the 1870 Census and economic activities continued to expand in the 1870’s, residents began seeking local governance to better address the needs of their community.

John Gilpin, Esq., a prominent attorney from Kittanning, played a crucial role in organizing the formation of the township, which was formally established on December 26, 1878, and named in his honor.

Timber supplied local needs and contributed to the development of neighboring towns, providing a stable economic foundation that would support future growth in other industries.

This high-quality coal seam extended through several areas, including Maher Heights, Georgetown, Johnetta, and Aladdin, attracting mining companies and spurring rapid economic expansion.

In addition to coal, salt, and natural gas, Gilpin Township has rich sand deposits, which were mined by companies such as Allegheny Metals & Minerals for use in glassmaking and construction.

Contractor James Wherry faced significant setbacks while building a riprap retaining wall to stabilize the canal path along the river, which collapsed due to flooding.

The site, now occupied by the mill’s shuttered facilities, stands as a relic of the village’s industrial past, marking the end of Bagdad’s active role in Gilpin Township’s economy.

Johnetta was strategically positioned with access to the Allegheny Valley Railroad and the nearby river, making it easy to transport products to market.

With around 140 homes, a company store, schoolhouse, and the Johnetta Memorial Church, the town was a well-equipped community where residents could live close to their work.

Today, the former site of Johnetta serves as one of Gilpin Township’s three riverside campgrounds, preserving the memory of a once-bustling community that played an important role in the region’s industrial history.

Schenley, situated at the confluence of the Allegheny and Kiskiminetas Rivers in Gilpin Township, became a prominent center of American whiskey production and a major industrial site in the early 20th century.

The area’s pure water sources, proximity to coal mines, and access to the Allegheny Valley Railroad and major shipping routes influenced their decision to set up operations in Schenley.

By the time the Prohibition repeal arrived, Schenley was ready to scale up rapidly, acquiring several other distilleries, brands, and distribution networks, ultimately establishing itself as an industry powerhouse.

These campgrounds attract campers, fishers, and boating enthusiasts, blending Schenley’s rich industrial heritage with its modern recreational appeal, ensuring that the legacy of this once-prominent whiskey town endures.

Aladdin, located within Gilpin Township just north of Schenley, became an industrial center known for coal mining and natural gas production.

Banfield, a residential area near Georgetown and Leechburg and along the Kiskiminetas River, provided housing for workers in Gilpin’s mines and other industries.

In 1937, the Daughters of the American Revolution, through the Fort Hand Chapter, undertook an effort to preserve the church’s baptismal records, translating and transcribing them from the original German.

These records provide invaluable insights into the lives of early Gilpin residents and reflect the rich heritage of German immigrants in the area.

The Allegheny and Kiskiminetas Rivers were vital to Gilpin Township’s economic growth, supporting the movement of coal, salt, timber, and sand to broader markets, particularly Pittsburgh.

Today, these rivers contribute to Gilpin’s recreational appeal, attracting anglers, boaters, and nature enthusiasts and supporting the township’s transition to a rural and leisure-focused community.

Existing industries, such as Armstrong Terminal, Inc., and BPI Inc., maintain a modest presence, while the township’s three riverside campgrounds—two in Schenley and one in Johnetta—draw visitors for camping, fishing, and outdoor activities, bolstering tourism and supporting the local economy.

Recent zoning updates and a planned comprehensive review of the township’s policies aim to balance industrial growth with rural preservation, ensuring that Gilpin’s future aligns with community values.