Moxham Historic District

Moxham Historic District is a residential neighborhood in Johnstown containing around 330 buildings spread across about 70 acres, mostly built between 1890 and 1930. The collection includes Colonial Revival houses, churches, shops, and former carriage houses that together form a diverse urban streetscape from that era.

After the 1889 flood, the neighborhood grew rapidly around the Johnston Steel Street Rail Company, with only five buildings surviving from before the disaster. The area developed quickly between 1890 and 1930 as a major residential and commercial center for the rebuilding city.

Ten churches representing different denominations shape the neighborhood today, with St. Patrick's, Second Presbyterian, and Grove Avenue Methodist among them. These buildings show how different faith communities built their own places of worship throughout the district.

The district sits on elevated ground east of Stoney Creek, which makes it less prone to flooding than other parts of town. The higher elevation makes walking through the neighborhood easier and provides good views of the overall street layout.

Unlike surrounding areas that housed only factory workers, this neighborhood attracted residents from different social classes, as shown by its varied housing styles. This social diversity is still visible today in the different sizes and designs of homes throughout the district.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 40.29780,-78.90830

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26