Sharon, Industrial municipality in western Mercer County, Pennsylvania
Sharon is an industrial municipality situated along the Shenango River near the Ohio border, positioned approximately 60 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The city extends along the river valley and includes the Penn State Shenango campus as well as public schools operated by the Sharon City School District.
The settlement was founded in 1795 and initially grew through coal mining operations before the Erie Extension Canal arrived in the 1840s, which sparked iron and steel production. These industries shaped the local economy for generations.
The annual WaterFire festival features burning braziers along the Shenango River, drawing crowds who come to experience this riverside art tradition. The flames create an evening gathering place where locals and visitors meet to watch the fire displays across the water.
Visitors can explore the river valley on foot or by car to experience different parts of the city that spread along the Shenango River. The terrain varies from flat riverbank areas to higher ground on both sides, making different routes accessible depending on your pace and interests.
During World War II, a local manufacturing facility produced torpedoes for the United States Navy, underscoring the city's strategic role in wartime production. Many visitors overlook this chapter of industrial importance when exploring the town today.
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