History of Latrobe

Foundation and First Mentions

The city of Latrobe was officially founded in 1851 by civil engineer Oliver Barnes. While working on the Pennsylvania Railroad project, he recognised the potential of the area and purchased land here to establish a settlement. By 1854, Latrobe received the status of a borough.

The city was named in honour of Benjamin Henry Latrobe Jr., a talented engineer and friend of the city's founder. Interestingly, Benjamin's father was a famous architect who participated in the design of the US Capitol.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a small plot of land into a thriving city was driven by several strategic reasons:

• Railway Mainline: Latrobe was created as an important hub of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Transport accessibility allowed the city to connect with major sales markets, such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
• Natural Resources: The area was located in the centre of a rich coal basin. The presence of coal deposits and water from Loyalhanna Creek created ideal conditions for industrialisation.
• Geography: Its fortunate location in a valley between mountain ranges made this place a natural corridor for trade and the movement of people to the west.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Latrobe was based on coal mining, coke production, and railway maintenance. This shaped the city's image as an industrial centre that attracted immigrant workers, contributing to the cultural diversity of the population.

An important cultural and spiritual centre of the region became the Saint Vincent Archabbey and College, founded by the monk Boniface Wimmer in 1846, even before the official registration of the city. The proximity of this monastery had a significant impact on education and the spiritual life of the first settlers.

Major Milestones in the History of Latrobe

• 1851: Engineer Oliver Barnes purchases land and plans a settlement that will become an important hub of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
• 1854: Latrobe officially receives borough status and begins to develop as an industrial centre.
• 1895: John Brallier receives payment for playing on the local team, which is considered the birth of professional American football.
• 1904: Pharmacist David Strickler invents the famous "banana split" dessert in a city pharmacy.
• 1913: The Latrobe Electric Steel Company is founded, playing a key role in the development of the region's metallurgy.
• 1928: Fred Rogers is born in the city, the future creator of the legendary children's television programme "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood".
• 1929: Arnold Palmer is born, subsequently becoming one of the most famous golfers in the world.
• 1939: The local Latrobe Brewing Company releases the first batch of the iconic Rolling Rock brand.
• 1966: The NFL team "Pittsburgh Steelers" holds its summer training camp at Saint Vincent College for the first time, establishing a long-standing tradition.
• 1999: The local airport is renamed the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in honour of the city's famous native.
• 2006: Production of Rolling Rock is moved to New Jersey, ending a significant era in the city's industrial history.

Stages of Development and Their Significance for the City

The history of Latrobe is a journey from a railway station to a distinctive centre with a unique industrial and cultural heritage. Below are the key milestones that shaped the economy and identity of the city:

• Railway Industrialisation. The arrival of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the mid-19th century became a catalyst for growth. This turned Latrobe from an agricultural area into a logistics hub, allowing for large-scale coal mining and coke production to begin, which laid the financial foundation of the city.
• Establishment of a Metallurgy Centre. The opening of the Latrobe Electric Steel Company in 1913 marked the transition from a raw material economy to high-tech manufacturing. The city became known for the production of special alloys used in aviation and defence industries, providing jobs throughout the 20th century.
• Birth of Professional Sports. The event of 1895, when quarterback John Brallier officially received money for a game, forever secured Latrobe's status as the birthplace of professional American football. This event formed the basis of the city's tourism brand.
• Creation of National Brands. The launch of the Latrobe Brewing Company (1939) and the production of Rolling Rock made the city's name known far beyond the state. Despite the transfer of production in 2006, this brand shaped the industrial image of the region for decades.
• Integration of Education and Sports. Long-term cooperation between Saint Vincent College and the NFL team "Pittsburgh Steelers" (since 1966) has turned the city into a point of attraction for thousands of fans annually, stimulating the development of the service and hospitality sectors.
• Transport Modernisation. The development of the regional airport, later named after golf legend Arnold Palmer, opened Latrobe to modern aviation. Terminal renovation and the expansion of flights strengthened the city's connection with major US tourist destinations.

Urban Structure and Development

The architectural appearance of Latrobe is inextricably linked with its industrial past and its role as an important transport hub. The city developed according to a plan designed by engineer Oliver Barnes in the 1850s. At the heart of the urban planning lies a regular street grid, oriented along the tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the bed of Loyalhanna Creek.

The historic city centre represents a classic example of American "Main Street USA" from the late 19th — early 20th centuries. The dense development of the business centre gives way to cozy residential neighbourhoods where houses built for workers and managers of local factories have been preserved, reflecting the social hierarchy of the industrial era.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Walking through Latrobe, one can trace the evolution of American architecture over a century and a half. Major stylistic directions include:

• Victorian Eclecticism and Italianate Style: Characteristic of commercial buildings in the city centre (downtown). These structures, erected in the late 19th century, are distinguished by high narrow windows, decorative cornices, and the use of local red brick.
• Romanesque Revival: Most vividly represented in the religious architecture of the region. Massive walls, semicircular arches, and majestic towers create a sense of monumentality and spiritual strength.
• Queen Anne Style and American Craftsman: Dominate in residential development. In older districts, one can find houses with turrets, verandas, and intricate wood carving, as well as more concise bungalows from the early 20th century.

Iconic Structures

Several buildings in Latrobe and its surroundings are true architectural landmarks that form the unique look of the city:

• Latrobe Train Station: Built in 1903, this station is a striking example of architecture from the heyday of railroads. The building combines elements of the Renaissance and eclecticism. After extensive restoration, it continues to function both as a transport hub and a restaurant, preserving the original interiors.
• Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica: Located on the outskirts of the city, this church is the architectural gem of the region. Built in the Romanesque Revival style (completed in 1905), it impresses with its size, two high spires, and exquisite brickwork, reminiscent of the Bavarian roots of the monastery's founders.
• Mozart Hall: A building constructed in 1890, which originally served as a cultural centre for the city's German community. It is a fine example of Victorian public architecture, which is today listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Distinguished Personalities of Latrobe

Despite its modest size, Latrobe is the birthplace of people whose influence has spread far beyond Pennsylvania and even the USA. The city takes pride in its heritage associated with legends of sports, television, and history.

• Arnold Palmer (1929–2016)
  Legendary golfer and businessman
  One of the most charismatic and successful players in golf history, nicknamed "The King." Palmer was born in Latrobe and learned to play at the local club (Latrobe Country Club), which he later owned. He played a key role in popularising golf as a televised sport. The local airport bears his name.
• Fred Rogers (1928–2003)
  TV presenter, educator, songwriter
  Creator and host of the iconic children's programme "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood". Rogers was born and raised in Latrobe, and it was the atmosphere of his hometown that inspired him to create a kind and safe world for children on the TV screen. He is buried in Unity Cemetery near the city.
• David Strickler (1881–1971)
  Pharmacist and inventor
  The man who gave the world the famous "banana split" dessert. In 1904, while working as an apprentice at Tassel Pharmacy, 23-year-old Strickler came up with the idea of cutting a banana lengthwise and adding three types of ice cream. This invention made Latrobe a pilgrimage site for those with a sweet tooth.
• John Brallier (1876–1960)
  Athlete, first professional football player
  A quarterback who forever changed American sports. In 1895, he agreed to play for the Latrobe team against rivals from Jeannette for 10 dollars plus expenses, becoming the first officially recognised professional player in American football.
• Boniface Wimmer (1809–1887)
  Archabbot, founder of the monastery
  A Bavarian monk who arrived in the USA in the mid-19th century. He founded Saint Vincent Archabbey — the first Benedictine monastery in North America. His activities laid the foundation for the development of education and culture in the region long before the city's industrial flourishing.
• Oliver Barnes (1823–1908)
  Civil engineer
  The actual founder of the city. As an engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad, Barnes saw the potential of the area, bought the land, and personally designed the street plan of the future Latrobe, defining its development as a transport and industrial hub.