Joseph Parkison, who operated a ferry on the west bank of the Monongahela River, is recognized as the founder of the city.

The city contains a number of streets which are named in honor of prominent Civil War figures including: Lincoln, Grant, Sherman, Stanton, Meade, Hancock, Thomas, Howard, Geary, and Sheridan.

Across the Monongahela River, the Allegheny County municipality of Forward Township runs adjacent to the city.

Chess Park, located near the center of the city, hosts community events throughout the year.

The Mounds Park, built on the site of an ancient Indian Burial Ground, is a local playground and sports complex.

The Pennsylvania State Historical Marker located here reads: "The bluff at Main St. and Park Ave. was the site on Aug. 14, 1794, of a meeting of 226 whiskey rebels.

Albert Gallatin's eloquence turned the tide, resulting in peaceful ending of the Whiskey Rebellion and the possibility of civil strife."

Many buildings in Monongahela, such as the Longwell House and the Bethel A.M.E Church, were used by freed slaves as stops on the Underground Railroad.

Other notable residents have included Carl E. Vuono, four-star general and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army; Jim Jimirro, founder of the Disney Channel; Fred Cox, all-time leading scorer for the Minnesota Vikings and inventor of the Nerf ball; Dr. Ronald V. Pellegrini, a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon based in Pittsburgh; National Book Award winner, Dierdre Bair; and former Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher, Ron Necciai, who is the only professional baseball player to strike out 27 batters in one game.

[13][14][15] A 90-minute documentary about Park Avenue's notable residents, titled "One Extraordinary Street" was produced by Laura M. Magone and released in 2008.

Magone, a graduate of Duquesne University and a Monongahela native, spent several years interviewing persons who lived on Park Avenue in an attempt to determine if there was a common thread that may have contributed to their many successes.

[14] The film also includes cameo appearances by Stan Musial and retired four-star general Colin Powell.