Donora

Donora is an industrial borough in Washington County situated along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, with tree-lined streets running through residential neighborhoods. The community shows the layout and character typical of early industrial worker settlements from that era.

The area developed in the late 1800s as a worker settlement for industry along the Monongahela River. A critical event in 1948 prompted new air quality laws across the nation.

The Donora Smog Museum holds records and objects that tell the story of how an environmental crisis changed thinking about industry and public health. Visitors can see how this event became important to the national conversation on environmental protection.

Palmer Park offers green spaces and areas for outdoor activities within the community. The borough is walkable in size and sits conveniently near main roads connecting to other regional locations.

The Cement City neighborhood contains concrete houses built in the early 1900s following experimental architectural plans. This building method was an attempt to create durable and affordable housing for workers in industrial areas.

Location: Washington County

Inception: 1900

Website: http://donoraboro.org

GPS coordinates: 40.17580,-79.86140

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:46